PRISON FOR DRUNKEN DRIVER

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 176, 22 April 1937, Page 2

PRISON FOR DRUNKEN DRIVER

“No Redeeming Features” Hastings, April 21. “In sentencing drunken drivers to imprisonment, my object is to save life by preventing others from driving in that condition,” said Air. J. Aliller, S.AL, in the Alagistrate’s Court at Hastings this morning, when passing sentence of fourteen days’ imprisonment on George William Pepper for being iu charge of a motor-car while intoxicated. Accused was also disqualified from holding a licence for one year. “In your case there are no redeeming features,” the magistrate added. “Drink has been your failing, and this is apparently a common practice of yours. You are a menace on the road, and apparently you do not realise your position. However, I am informed by the police that imprisonment is having the desired effect, so it is now necessary for me to set the same standard in rigour of punishment.” Evidence was given by Traffic-Officer J. 11. R. Semple to the effect that while on Fernhill Highway his attention was attracted to a car driven by accused. “I saw a collision was imminent, so I sounded the siren and he pulled out of the way,” said the traffic officer. “I then followed him for half a mile sounding the siren, but he did not pull up until TrafficInspector Alann, who was with me, signalled for him to do so.” Witness said that accused was unsteady on his, feet, and smelt strongly of liquor, so witness instructed Traffic-Inspector Alanu to drive accused's car back to the police station. . . “I think I was capable of driving my car,” interjected defendant. “I do not consider you were, replied the traffic officer. . Corroborative evidence as to detendant’s condition was furnished by Traffic-Inspector D. Alann, Senior-Ser-geant Fivyer and other officers, and Dr. R. Cashmore stated that after examining Pepper at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon he concluded that Pepper had taken sufficient alcohol to impair his judgment. In evidence defendant said that he had never had an accident in 25 years of driving, and that he had had only about four drinks. Defendant added that he suffered from blood pressure, uud that the drinks did not hurt him. “The drinks did hurt you, said the magistrate, “and you were drunk. You were not capable, and these two traffic inspectors did not come bore to commit perjury.”