DRUNKEN MOTORIST

Evening Star, Issue 22563, 3 February 1937, Page 2

DRUNKEN MOTORIST

DRIVING BLIND ON WET NIGHT FINED £3O. LICENSE CANCELLED [Pee United Peess Association.] AUCKLAND, February 3. A fine of £39 was imposed by Mr OnWalker, S.M., on Raymond Victor Lawless (28), a lorry driver, who was charged with being intoxicated while in charge of a motor car on Christmas Eve and with operating a vehicle without two independent brakes. His license was cancelled for 18 months. The police stated that the accused’s car struck two women who were crossing Richmond road, one of whom was seriously injured. “ One might say that the biggest factor in the accident was the unforgivable fact that the accused drove blind without a windscreen wiper on a wet night,” remarked the magistrate. “ Such a practice is highly dangerous and wholly indefensible.” For the accused, Mr Sullivan stressed that he was the sole supporter of a widowed mother, and would lose his only source of livelihood if his license were cancelled. The Magistrate said that he must take the accused’s license away, partly as a punishment, but mainly to prevent other persons from taking similar risks.