IN CHARGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 25, 30 January 1937, Page 10

IN CHARGE.

INTOXICATED IN CAR. YOUTH OF 17 REMANDED. INTERESTING POINT RAISED. "I admit I had one or two drinks, but I was not drunk." said a youth of 17, Leslie Thomas Miller, in the Police ( Court this morning, when lie pleaded guilty to a charge of being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor car in College Ilill yesterday. Sub-Inspector Fox said that at 0.43! p.m. yesterday the city police received • a message to* the effect that a motor | car had passed through Epsom towards the city and that it was travelling in an erratic manner. It was also complained that a number of youths, suspected of being under the influence of liquor were in the car. All suburban police stations were notified. At 7.15 p.m. the attention of Sergeant Felton, 1 and a constable of the Freeman's Bay police station ,was attracted by the noise made by the changing of gears. Going outside they found Miller in charge of a motor car. Pie was definitely intoxicated but not drunk. "He told the police that he had 12 half-handles of beer yesterday," said Mr. Fox. ,; He had no driver's license, and he says that the car he was driving had been rented by an acquaintance. He also says they picked up some other youths,, all of whom had been drinking, but these youths were not with Miller last evening. The young man who hired the car was in the vehicle with him. Two half-handles were found in the car, Miller explaining that they did not belong to him. The young man who was with Miller was sober. His part in the affair is yet to be investigated, and he will probably be coming before this Court later. He admits allowing Miller to drive the car. Miller was examined by a doctor, who certified that he was under the influence of liquor and unfit! to have charge of a car. The police do I not believe that Miller had 12 halfhandles of beer, as his condition was not, consistent with the consumption of so much liquor." In reply to the-magistrate, Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, Miller said he had only changed places with companion shortly before his arrest. He had not driven the car more than 75 yards. "I don't wish to prejudge the matter, but if the other young man handed over the car to him, then it lessens -Miller's offenee. The matter then- becomes an interesting' question of whether Miller was in charge of the ear. I think this case should stand over until the other young man is dealt with." The hearing was adjourned until Februarj' 5. In the meantime the other young man will be brought before the Court on summons. Miller was granted bail.