NEGLIGENT DRIVERS

Grey River Argus, 18 May 1938, Page 7

NEGLIGENT DRIVERS

TWO CONVICTED After Fatal Accidents [Per Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, May 17. Kaspar Gray Webley, city building contractor, aged 39, was found guilty in the Supreme Court, to-day for having driven a motor-car negligently along Marshland Road on February 24, thereby causing the death of Joseph Quinn. Webley was remanded for sentence. Mr Justice Northcroft, in summing up, said that evidence of the accused’s consumption of liquor on the day of the accident had been brought by the prosecution, a hotel barman having refused him more drink because he considered that he had had enough. It was for the jury to determine whether Webleys was in a fit state to drive, and it was also for the jury to say whether 60 miles an hour along Marshland Road was a reasonable speed. Motorist Changes Plea LIQUOR INVOLVED. INVERCARGILL, May 17. In the Supreme Court, to-day, before Mr Justice Kennedy, a charge of negligently driving a motor-car al Waihoaka, on April 10, and thereby causing the death of John Wilfred Hayes; and a further charge of being intoxicated while in charge of a motor-car, and, by act or omission, causing death, were preferred against Clarence Herbert Hibbs, who pleaded not guilty. Evidence was heard up to the luncheon adjournment, but. when the Court, resumed this afternoon, Mr G. J. Reed, counsel for the accused, asked leave to withdraw the original pleas, and said that Hibbs would plead guilty to the charges against him. Hibbs entered the witness box, and admitted the offences. Without leaving their seats, the jury’ returned a verdict of guilty on each charge. Hibbs was remanded for sentence. The following presentment was made by the Grand Jury: “This Grand Jury views with concern the ease with which liquor was, apparently, procured by’ the accused, and his companion, on a Sunday.” DRIVER DISQUALIFIED. CHRISTCHURCH, May 17. At the Supreme Court, George Campbell, for failure to stop his car after an accident, was fined £lO. His license was cancelled, and he was disqualified as a driver for two years.