CYCLIST'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 34, 10 February 1937, Page 8

CYCLIST'S DEATH.

SOLICITOR ON TRIAL. ALLEGATION OF NEGLIGENCE. j CASE FOR PROSECUTION. —- » (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Walter Robert Olliver, a solicitor, of Christchurch, stood his trial this morning in the Supreme Court on a charge of causing death by negligently driving a motor car. The charge was a sequel to an accident on September 30 in which Olliver's car came into collision with a bicycle ridden by Thelma Agnes Bedford. Miss Bedford died from the injuries she received. Mr. Justice Northcroft presided, Mr. A. T. Donnelly prosecuted, while Sim appeared on behalf of the accused. On vhe night of the accident, said Mr. Donnelly, the accused was working late in his office and Mis« Bedford, an 18-year-old girl, was going home from a dance. Olliver drove a powerful car. Coming along Wilson's Road the car came up behind the bicycle and struck it. The bicycle ami car showed how severe was the impact. The girl was found 60ft past the point of contact, and the car pulled up 90ft beyond that point. It is evident, Mr. Donnelly added, that the girl was riding toward the centre of the road, and was not directly in front of the car as the accused said in his statement that she was outside the line of his lights. The girl was thrown against the windscreen, breaking the safety glass. Olliver's eyes were filled with powdered glass, which made them very sore, and inflamed. "There was a suggestion of drink," said Mr. Donnelly. "The police officers said there was evidence of drink, and Olliver admitted drinking three shandies and one sherry before going back to work at 'night. Two doctors examined him, however, and said he was not under the in#Uence of drink, and was in a fit state to drive a car. The Crown reliee on the evidence as to the speed of the accused's car, on the evidence supplied by the skid marks as to the point where the girl was carried, and where the car stopped." (Proceeding.)