DRUNKEN DRIVER

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 10

DRUNKEN DRIVER

£ls FINE. LICENSE SUSPENDED

A fine of £ls and a suspension of his driving license for three months were the penalties imposed on Reginald Keith Bain (35) irr* the Police Court this morning for being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a car. Senior-sergeant Packer stated that at 1.50 this morning Constable Berry saw Bain driving along Georgy street and into the Octagon, where he swerved badly in getting into Bath street. He stopped in Bath street, but when he got out of the. car it went on and finally came to rest against a kerb. Dr Evans later testified that Bain was not in a fit condition to be driving a car. For the defendant, Mr J. G. Warrington said that he wa's in a fairly responsible position. He admitted that he had had some liquor. The facts were that he had driven some friends home about eleven o’clock and had several drinks at their place. Counsel pointed out that Bain was not involved in an accident, nor was there one imminent at any stage, and added that ho was driving at an hour 1 in which it was not likely that he would encounter traffic. The car constituted his livelihood, as he had to travel all over the South Island, and Mr Warrington suggested that the monetary penalty be made heavier if his license could be saved.

“ In this class of offence dhe public interest is the prime consideration.’' said Mr J. B. Bartholomew. S.M.. “and it is impossible not to suspend the license.” t Bain was also ordered to pay medical expenses of £1 Is.