Fines For Assault Of Traffic Officer

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32142, 11 November 1969, Page 32

Fines For Assault Of Traffic Officer

(■New Zealand Press Association)

November 10. Two charges of assault and one of failing to accompany a traffic officer to a police station cost George Harold Andersen, aged 47, a union official, $215 when he appeared before Mr J. H. Murray, S.M., today. Andersen (Mr F. H. Haigh) had previously pleaded guilty.

On each of the assault charges he was fined $75, with $5 costs, he was fined $5O, with $5 costs, on the charge of falling to accompany a traffic officer. Sergeant B. L. Pearce said that at 12.30 a.m. on November 1 Andersen was stopped by two traffic officers because of his erratic driving in Remuera Road.

A breath tester was assembled and Andersen was instructed how ’to blow into it When given the device, he pulled out the nozzle and blew straight into the bag. The device was reassembled and given back to Andersen. He gave one small blow, but could not go on. He was then asked to accompany the officers to the central police station. He said he would follow in his car, and the officers said this would not be possible.

Andersen got into his car and attempted to start it When a traffic officer tried to reach in and take the keys Andersen grabbed one arm and pulled the officer against the car. Outside the car he held the' traffic officer in a strangling lock. When the other traffic officer attempted to intervene he Was struck by Andersen. It took some minutes to quieten him. When police help ' was called for Andersen agreed to go to the police station. He and his companion began

to walk toward the traffic car. They walked straight past the car, down the street and into a driveway. A subsequent search failed to find them. Andersen was arrested the next day when he went to the city council traffic department to claim his car. Counsel said Andersen deeply regretted the incident. The actions were completely out of character with Andersen.