BUSINESS MAN’S LAPSE

Evening Star, Issue 19615, 22 July 1927, Page 5

BUSINESS MAN’S LAPSE

“ PUBLIC MUST BE PROTECTED" INTOXICATED DRIVER OF CAR “Whether this is a serious matter for you aiid your business does not enter into consideration. It is for the protection of the public that you should bo prohibited from driving.” So stated Mr 11.'W. Bundle, S.M., in the City Police Court to-dav, when fining George Herbert Strong £lO and prohibiting him from driving for three years on a charge of driving a motor car in Custom House square while in a state of intoxication. He was further charged with ..procuring licpior during the currency of a prohibition order. Sub-inspector Fahey said that on the night in question defendant was seen driving the car near the pie cart’. The constable’s attention was drawn to defendant’s condition by Traffic Inspector Dunnett. Defendant was found to be considerably under the influence of liquor. Tlie car was driven to the police station by the traffic inspector. Defendant’s license had previously been cancelled by His Worship. Mr C. J. L. White, lor defendant, said Strong realised the seriousness of the i •’Urge. He was a married main with seven children, the oldest being 13 years and the youngest 10 weeks. Ho was a builder in a big way, and at the present time had four big contracts in hand. About two years ago defendant had been in a motor accident, arising out of which His Worship had cancelled his license for three months. On Christmas Eve the license had been returned. The prohibition order had been taken out voluntarily by .defendant following the previous offence. It was true that defendant had been given to drink lately. He bad been acting very foolishly. Dr Reid had examined Strong at the watchhouse, and had stated that while defendant was undoubtedly under the influence ot drink ho was not prepared to say lie was not fit to drive a car. Mr White said sevoral business men hud approached him on account of defendant s business integrity, character, and homo life. The Magistrate: Character is not of much use. , , , Mr White said he had been asked to make a special appeal on behalf of the wife and children. The Rev. V. G. Bryan Kmg said ho knew nothing personally of Hie defendant, but the wife had asked him to make a special appeal. Ho was an irreproachable husband. The wife had also stated that at times two drinks would “ knock him over." John M'Connack, a builder,' said defendant's homo life was perfect. Wituoss was prepared to outer into a bond to take care of defendant. “ Being drunk in charge of a car is a most serious offence,” said Mr Bundle. Defendant had been before the court last year on a charge of negligent driving, and his license had been suspended for three months. Since then defendant had been convicted of committing a grossly indecent act and of the breach of a prohibition order. “ Strong, it seems that you are absolutely unfitted to bo in charge of a motor car,” stated the magistrate. “Whether this is a serious matter for you and your business does not enter into consideration. It is lor the protection of the public that you should be prohibited from driving. You have been given one chance already. As regards the question of fine and imprison-, ment, I will take into consideration the circumstances on behalf of your wife and children more than yourself.” On the major charge Strong was fined £lO, and ho was prohibited from driving for three years. For the breach of the prohibition order defendant was convicted and discharged.-