SENT TO GAOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 235, 4 October 1937, Page 8

SENT TO GAOL.

» INTOXICATED DRIVER. MAGISTRATE'S FIRM ACTION. A PREVIOUS CONVICTION. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) TUKEKOHE, this day. "I know the difficulties with euch cases, but it is my intention in future motor cases, not only with regard to intoxication, but also for negligence, to increase the penalties," stated Mr. F. H. L«vien, S.M., in the Pukekohe Court to-day when William Spencer Mitchell, of Pukekohe, appeared before him on a charge of being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor car at Pukekohe on September 25.

An offender in such cases, said Mr. Levien, put not only his own safety but also that of others in jeopardy. The accused had y>reviously been convicted, although many years ago, but that was a warning and therefore it was his intention to send him to praol—an action ■which he intended to carry out in future cases.

The Main Highways traffic inspector, Mr. X. C. Davenport, said that on September 25 he observed an old model car proceeding slowly down Massey Avenue on the wrong side of the road. The car stopped at a petrol pump so witness went across to accused and found him under the influence of liquor. He had previously warned accused, so he took him to the police station.

Sergeant J. T. Cowan said that accused was convicted in 1025 for being intoxicated while in charge of a motor truck.

Mr. A. P. King, who entered a plea of guilty on behalf of accused, said that he had been in an hotel during the afternoon, but later when he was at home a friend came to him and asked to be driven to Paerata. Accused drove to Paerata and on his return to Pukekohe went to a garage for petrol.

Mr. King, in asking that accused should not have his license cancelled said that the car was necessary in connection with accused's work. He was taking out a prohibition order to avoid further trouble.

Accused was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment, while his license was endorsed- and cancelled. He was also declared unfit to hold another license for four years.