PASSENGER'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 120, 24 May 1938, Page 8

PASSENGER'S DEATH.

CAR DRIVER FOR TRIAL.

INTOXICATION" ALLEGED.

The hearing of evidence in a charge brought against John Frederick Copley, aged 42, a labourer, in the Police Court before Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., did not conclude until last evening.

Copley, wlio appeared on summons, was charged that while in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor car on April 16, by an act or omission caused the death of Walter Henry Doyle.

Detective Sergeant McHugh prosecuted, and Mr. K. C. Aekins represented the defendant.

The evidence showed that Walter Henry Doyle was a passenger in Copley's car which collided with a power pole on the Great North Road rear St. Joseph's Convent, early on the evening of April 10. Doyle succumbed to his injuries when being taken to the hospital in a St. John ambulance. Dr. E. Vivian, who examined Copley shortly after the accident, said Copley could not walk straight and had a marked smell of alcohol about him. In witness' opinion accused had an excessive amount of alcohol and was quite unfit to have charge of a motor car.

Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail of £100 was renewed. On counsel's application a summary charge of being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a car was adjourned until after the Supreme Court hearing.