THE WEEK-END SENTENCE

Evening Star, Issue 23101, 29 October 1938, Page 16

THE WEEK-END SENTENCE

APPROVAL BY MAGISTRATE PENALTY WOULDN'T HURT DEPENDENTS WELLINGTON, October 29. Approval of the intention- of Mr Semple to endeavour to introduce weekend gaol sentences as a deterrent to drivers convicted of being intoxicated in charge of cars was expressed in the Magistrate’s Court to-day by Mr Luxford, S.M. He thought it would be a very good move indeed, because of the reluctance many magistrates have in sending to gaol people not of the criminal class. Under the proposed system that would disappear, and adequate punishment would be suffered by offenders without causing a corresponding amount of suffering to their relatives. He hoped this change of law would be made, and that it would be used to the fullest extent when it came into operation. Mr Luxford sentenced to 10 days with hard labour Murray Francis Howard (23), a carpenter, who pleaded guilty to intoxication in charge _of a car, and prohibited him from obtaining a driving license for 18 months. On charges of having no driving license and not carrying a warrant of ’fitness he was convicted and discharged. The accused was arrested as the result of a complaint to the police, who on investigation found an empty cai with two bottles of beer in the back seat, and an empty one. Lator three men got in, and constables who followed the car saw it swaying and being driven all over the road. Examined by a doctor an hour later, accused was declared unfit to drive.