NAVAL MAN FINED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 160, 8 July 1940, Page 4

NAVAL MAN FINED.

INTOXICATION CHARGE. "NOT STROXG CASE," SAYS S.M. In view of the special circumstances of the case, Mr. J. Morling, S.M., in the Police Court to-day, did not order a term of imprisonment for Arthur James Bale, aped 30, stoker petty officer, of H.M.S. Philomel, who admitted that he was in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor car in Queen Street on Saturday.

Senior C'ergeant Joyce said a constable, at 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, saw Bale in a car near the Chief Post Office. He was attempting to start the car, and, as the constable considered defendant was in a state of intoxication, he took him to the police station. "The examining doctor's certificate shows that this was not a very bad case," added the senior sergeant.

Appearing for defendant, Mr. Holmden mentioned that Bale was in a most unsatisfactory position, in that he would be dealt with by two authorities —by the Court and naval authorities — no doubt by the latter in a manner that would affect him seriously. Under all the circumstances counsel suggested that perhaps a fine would meet the case. "It appears to me," said the magistrate, "that he barely comes within the definition of intoxicated. It is certainly not a strong case. In fact, he might almost have escaped this charge. The medical certificate says that his judgment was affected. In view of that I feci I can make an exception."

Bale was fined £15, and he was disqualified from holding a license for 12 months.