GAOL WITHOUT OPTION

Evening Star, Issue 22989, 21 June 1938, Page 3

GAOL WITHOUT OPTION

THE DRUHKEN DRIVER [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 20. 11 While cases of intoxicated motorists persist, I want it to be clearly understood that persons convicted on such charges will have to be sent to prison,” said Mr C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Police Court, when a steel worker, John Frederick Lough, aged 23 appeared in answer to charges of being in charge of a motor car on June 12 while in a state of intoxication and of failing to carry in the car a warrant of fitness. The accused, who wag represented by Mr Selwyn Clarke, pleaded not guilty to the first charge and guilty to the second.

Evidence was given by .two taxi drivers that a car driven by the accused had collided with their cabs shortly after 3 a.m. on June 12. The cars were parked at a taxi rank at the top of St, Mary’s road. One taxi was struck on the rear bumper, but the second received damage to the door and mudguard. “ On the evidence,” the Magistrate said, “ I have no doubt that the accused was intoxicated. It is not pleasant for me to send a young man to gaol, but this case has occurred after public warnings have been prominently featured throughout the Dominion. The accused is convicted, and sentenced to two weeks’ imprisonment. His driving license is to be cancelled for, two years.” “ I confess that it is with a certain amount of reluctance that I have come to the conclusion that the only way to deal with these offences is by a term of imprisonment,” said Mr W. R. M'Kean, S.M.. in the Otahubu Police Court to-day, when two motorists were convicted of being intoxicated while in charge of motor vehicles. An Indian, Manga Ranjee Jarara, aged 28, was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment and his license cancelled for 12 months, and Herbert William Hill, aged 56, was sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment and his license withheld for three years