Dying Man Left Lying In Street

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32166, 9 December 1969, Page 32

Dying Man Left Lying In Street

(New Zealand Press Association) V’ DUNEDIN, December 8. “I do not think that I have heard of anything more callous in this context,” Mr J. D. Murray, S.M., said in the Magistrate’s Court today in declining an application for bail by Mr J. B. Robertson on behalf of William Robert Thompson.

Thompson, aged 54, a machine operator, pleaded guilty to charges of aiding and abetting Viti Von, the driver of a ear, who failed to render assistance to an injured person after an accident, «nd failed to ascertain whether any person had been injdrbd.' ’ Sergeant A. C. Reid said that at 10.25 p.m. on November 29 Thompson was a passenger in a car driven by Von, travelling south along Princes Street in the Exchange area. Near the High Street intersection, the car struck an elderly pedestrian, who was thrown on to the bonnet of the car and carried as far as the Chief Post Office.

Thompson was then seen to get out of the car and slide the pedestrian off the bonnet of the car on to the roadway. The accused got back into the car, which then drove off. As a result of the accident, the pedestrian, Harold Percy Boreham, died. When interviewed by the police, Thompson said that he had seen “a fellow” on the bonnet of the car, and Von had stopped straight away. He had not noticed any blood on his hands after he shifted Mr Boreham, he said. Sergeant Reid said that in

removing Mr Boreham from the bonnet Thompson had to untangle Mr Borehun’s legs, which were caught in the aerial of the car. Thompson got blood on his hands and clothes. The accused had been drinking from 4 p.m. in the afternoon until. shortly before the accident, Sergeant Redd said.

Thompson was convicted and remanded in custody to Monday for a probation report and sentence. Von (Mr P. T. Finnigan) entered pleas of not guilty on two charges arising from the accident, and elected trial by jury. On two further charges of failing to ascertain if anyone was,injured after an accident, and' failing to render all practicable assistance to the injured person, Von pleaded guilty. He was remanded on all charges to Friday. Bail was renewed.