SITTING IN CAR.
BUT UNABLE TO START IT. MAN DEEMED TO BE "IN CHARGE." FINE OF £10 IMPOSED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. After drinking in a "bach" at Eastbourne last Sunday night two men went to a motor car and, on account of their behaviour, a constable was summoned by a neighbour. The constable found both men drunk. Hughie Smith (22), mechanic, was charged to-day with being drunk when in charge of a car. The defence was that neither In fact nor in law was he in charge. The evidence given showed that Smith was at the wheel and tried to start the car, but for the defence it was stated that on account of Smith's intention to drive to town one of the party had previously disabled the car by removing a carbon from the magneto. The magistrate took the view that if accused got in and attempted to start the car he was in charge of it. The fact that he was drunk and unable to adjust the magneto did not affect the position. He was a mechanic and familiar with the workings of a car. A fine of £10 was imposed.
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Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 11
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196SITTING IN CAR. Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 151, 29 June 1927, Page 11
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