FINED £20

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 80, 28 December 1928, Page 3

FINED £20

LORRY DRIVER’S LICENSE CANCELLED

Henshaw Ravenseroft, a motor driver, aged 27, and Ronald Compton, aged 22, appeared before Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with being in charge of a motorlorry while in a state of~ intoxication. Both accused, who were represented by Mr. W. E. Leicester, pleaded not guilty. In addition they were each charged with not having a driver’s license, Ravenscroft pleading guilty and Compton not guilty. According to Sub-Inspector Lander the prosecution arose out of an accident iu Mein Street at about 7 p.m. on December 21. As far as could be ascertained, Compton was in charge of the lorry just prior to the incident. It was later discovered, however, that Ravenseroft was actually the employed driver of the lorry, lie had been driving without a license for

the current year, but had had one formerly. Compton had never been a licensed driver.

Senior Sergeant Butler said that he was called to the Wellington South Police Station .where he saw the two defendants, who appeared to be much under the influence of liquor—Ravenscroft more so than Compton. Witness had difficulty in ascertaining who had been driving the lorry. Constable Goodson said that when he first saw the two accused, Compton had the bonnet of the lorry open and was tinkering with the engine. Witness spoke to him, and Compton said that he was the driver. Witness told him that he was not- in a fit state to drive, after which witness arrested him. Ravenseroft followed them to the police station. Witness did not see either of the men driv-

ing. Evidence was given by Lawrence Watts, who said that he saw Compton driving the lorry. It was contended by Mr. Leicester that Compton had not driven the car, and had never held a license. He was, moreover, a type of man who, when he had had too much liquor, became aggressive and abusive. His statement to the police that he was the driver was made merely with a view to obstructing the police. The Magistrate said that he must accept the evidence that Ravenseroft was the driver, and that he was, to some extent. intoxicated. Ravenseroft was fined £2O and his license was ordered to be suspended until May 31, 1930. On the other charge he was convicted and discharged. Both charges against Compton were dismissed.