INTOXICATED MOTORIST

Evening Star, Issue 23322, 19 July 1939, Page 10

INTOXICATED MOTORIST

NOT A BAD CASE FINE OF 120 INFLICTED Observed by Constable Melrose to bo driving at 12.35 a.in. last Saturday in George street in rather an erratic manner and with the headlights not in condition, Frank Walter Henderson was approached and asked for his license. The motorist produced three licenses and appeared to be unable to distinguish between the three, and this, together: with other features of conduct indicating intoxication, determined the constable to take the man to the police station, where he was certified as being unfit to drive. The result was that Henderson, for whom Mr E. J. Anderson appeared, was this morning charged with having been intoxicated while in charge of a motor car. He pleaded guilty. Senior-sergeant Claasen related the circumstances, adding that there had been no accident and the case was not a bad one. Mr Anderson said that Henderson, a young man of 26, had been the guest of some people on the hill that night and had consumed no more than three or four medium-sized beers, the last being taken about 11.30. Some friends had had no compunction in allowing accused to drive them home. Henderson had been driving for six or seven years and had no conviction against him. In his occupation as land agent a car was necessary to accused, and one result of this unfortunate matter, said counsel, would be the loss of his job. He bore a high character and did not indulge unduly in liquor, but was prepared to take out a prohibition order. ■

The magistrate (Mr H. W- Bundle) remarked that this type of offence did not appear to be decreasing. However, the present case, said His Worship, was not a had one or its kind, and he would take into consideration the fact that the offence occurred late at night and there was' no suggestion of speeding. At the same time, ho was unable to overlook the fact that any man driving while in a state of intoxication was a menace. In view of all the circumstances accused would be fined £2O, his license cancelled, and he would be prohibited from driving for a period of 12 months, half the fine to be paid forthwith and the balance within a month, in default 14 days’ imprisonment. H ====S!===: