CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 8, 9 July 1935, Page 11

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

DISABLED CONSTABLE

SUING OWNER OF STOLEN CAR

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, This Day,

The gallant effort made by Constable E. E. Stewart on a night in September, 193",, to arrest a motor-car thief was recalled today when in the Supreme Court the constable brought an action for £2000 general and £557 special damages against the owner of the stolen car, E. G. Bridgers, manufacturer, of Auckland. The claim, which is an unusual one, is based on the Motor Vehicles Act, 1930. The plaintiff asserts that he will be permanently partially disabled as the result of the injuries he received when the thief swerved the stolen car, to which the constable was clinging, into a stationary car. The plaintiff contends that the unknown driver was an authorised agent of the defendant.

It was stated that Stewart was confined to hospital from September 20, 1933, until December, 1933, readmitted on numerous occasions in 1934, and was still receiving treatment. His career in the Police Force was finished as he could not now comply with the ' physical requirements. The most he would be able to do if a further operation was successful would be to potter about for the, rest of his life.

The case is proceeding.