Motorist jailed

Press, 18 March 1983, Page 7

Motorist jailed

PA Hamilton The man accused of causing the death of three people at Gordonton on January 5 while driving under the influence, appeared in the District Court at Hamilton yesterday on other driving charges. Jackson Puke, aged 30, a labourer, of Gordonton, pleaded guilty to two charges of driving with an excess blood-alcohol level, one of disqualified driving and one of carelessly using a vehicle. The fatal accident — and the incidents which led to the latest charges — both occured on the same day. Sergeant Kevin Richards said that Puke was in the Chartwell Tavern car park on January 5 where he crashed into a vehicle parked about 20 metres away. Puke backed ‘ off and drove in again, further striking the vehicle, Mr Richards said. "He drove fast around the

tavern then tried to park next to another correctly parked car and hit that vehicle on the side,” he said. Puke was seen to drive off in the direction of Gordonton, Mr Richards said. At the time Puke was a disqualified driver, he said. Puke had been disqualified from driving on several occasions, the last being for five years from April, 1982, the Court heard.

The two drinking driving charges; arose • from incidents in Christchurch in 1980 and 1981.

Judge M. J. Green said yesterday that he was only considering, the charges before him when sentencing Puke and not taking into account the very serious charges he faces. Puke was jailed for a total of 15 months, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

He elected trial by jury on three charges of causing death while driving under the influence, one of causing injury while driving under

the influence and two of causing death while driving under the influence.

On these charges he was remanded until April 29 for the. taking of depositions. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving' with an excess blood-alcohol level and was remanded until the same date for a defended hearing, x The Judge said that. Puke had gone to the South Island masquerading under * the name ,of Edwards after being ’ disqualified from driving in the North Island.

“Your sojourn, in the South Island under .the false name did not interrupt your driving,” the judge said.

“The criminal record sheets show an extraordinary series of events where you have evaded your responsibilities.” Warrants . were issued from time to time for Puke’s arrest, he said. “It is clear that this time you were driving while disqualified."