FOUR MONTH GAOL TERM

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30073, 6 March 1963, Page 7

FOUR MONTH GAOL TERM

Drunk Driver Caused Death (N.Z. Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Mar. 4. “I understand how contrite you feel, but, accepting all that, your offence can only be met by a prison sentence,” Mr A. W. Yortt, S.M., told Patrick Ngeru Walden, aged 42, a Waitara slaughterman, in sending him to gaol for four months in the Magistrate’s Court at New Plymouth today. The charge, admitted by Walden, was driving under the influence of liquor and causing the death of Theresa Materunui Wharemate at New Plymouth on February 27. Walden’s driving licence was cancelled and he was disqualified from getting another for six years and then must apply to the court. The accident occurred while Mrs Wharemate was crossing the road with her husband, Tuera Wharemate. He was injured. On a second charge of causing such injuries, Walden had his driving licence cancelled for two years. The disqualifications are te be concurrent. Counsel, Mr J. A. Dean, said that the tragedy had been added to by the fact that Tuera Wharemate was Walden’s first cousin. This, besides the death of Mrs Wharemate, had had a tremendous effect on Walden, and he continued to suffer remorse. The Magistrate said he accepted the evidence of good character and of Walden’s cautiousness as a driver, but although he was a moderate drinker and generally of sober habits, on this occasion liquor had affected his driving with tragic consequences.