CHARGE AGAINST MOTORIST

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27277, 18 February 1954, Page 7

CHARGE AGAINST MOTORIST

MAGISTRATE RESERVES DECISION Sidney Edward Ankins, aged 48, a foreman for the Post and Telegraph Department (Mr D. W. Russell), pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday to charges of being under the influence of liquor when driving a motor-car on Marshland road on February 5, and of negligently driving a car.

5 r - F. L. Scott said at 8.25 p.m. on February 5 he examined the accused, who admitted having had four whiskies between 3.30 p.m. and 3.50 p.m. There was a strong smell of liquor and, although it was not a bad case of intoxication, in his opinion Ankins was not in a fit condition to drive a motor-car.

Ernest Reginald Stead, an-orchardist, , said at 7.20 p.m. he saw a car being driven in Marshland road in a manner ; suggesting that it was completely out . of control. It was the rolling action ! °L th £ car that had first attracted his attention. He estimated the speed at 35 to 40 miles an hour. There had ‘ later been an accident, when the car ; driven by Ankins and one driven by a i Mr Scarf had collided. When Ankins i * drove away, the witness followed him, for he thought .he was not in a fit condition to be in charge of a motorcar. The witness said that he followed in his own car along Marshland and Shirley roads to a house in Springfield road, where the accused, after several attempts, backed his car safely into a garage. Previously the accused had cut a corner, where he ran over a gutter. To Mr Russell the witness said that the car had two damaged front wheels. Constable P. McGuire said that he had visited the accused’s home shortly after 8 p.m., and thought the accused was sufficiently intoxicated to justify his being taken to the police station, i Ankins said he had driven his car from Culverden and had had four whiskies at the Waipara Hotel but no other arink until after he had reached his own home, where he was given two stiff whiskies and, with two companions, had consumed four bottles of beer.

Hanley Joseph Shields, a carpenter, corroborated the evidence of Ankins, and said the steering gear had seemed to be giving trouble long before the accident occurred. Lewis Kerr Kerse, a motor engineer, said the steering apparatus badly needed adjustment, for it allowed nearly five inches -of free play. .The Magistrate said he would take time to consider the verdict, which will be given at 10 a.m. today.