SUMMONED BY REQUEST

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 April 1932, Page 8

SUMMONED BY REQUEST

MOTORIST’S REPLY TO POLICE. A motorist who had asked to be suriimoned after receiving a letter, which he regarded as a “censure” from the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, won his case at Croydon County Police-court recently. ? Mr Arthur H. Penn, banker, of Wil-ton-crescent, Knightsbridge, S.W., was accused of driving a car without due care and attention in London-road, Mitcharii. It was stated for the defence that after a report had been made to New Scotlarid Yard. Mr Penn received a letter from the Commissioner, who wrote that he had decided to refrain from taking further steps, but would feel bound to take the circumstances into account if Mr Penn should again be reported for an alleged offence. Mr J. J. Franco, for the defence, said that the lettei’ was most objectionable to a man with a perfectly clean motoring record of over twentyfive years, who regarded the allegation made against him as entirely without foundation. Mr Penn therefore replied asking for the issue of a summons.

The Commissioner’s letter was a forrii of censure passed without Mr Peiin having been heard in his own defence. In effect, it said: “I am not going to take proceedings but don’t do it again. If you do this will be brought up against you.” Mr Penn .naturally preferred to submit the matter to a legal tribunal before jvliorii evidence could he placed. Two police officers gave evidence, and alleged that Mr Penn tried improperly to pass a car at a bend in a narrow road.

Mr Penn, in the witness-box, said that he had a clear view and an open way for at least 200 yards ahead. A collision, which occurred through another car knocking into his from bfeJhind, was due to the quickness with tVhi'ch he pulled up in response to a Signal from a constable, who had quite unnecessarily interfered.

The driver of the other car gave evidence ill support of the defence. The Berich said that the evidence was very conflicting, arid' that the prosecution had riot proved itg case. The summons would be dismissed.