DRIVER ACQUITTED
SEQUEL TO WOMAN’S- DEATH. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NAPIER, May 27. In the Supreme Court to-day Reginald Frank Hunt was tried before Mr Justice- Ostler and a jury on a charge of negligently driving a motor vehicle, thereby causing the death of Mary Kingsland. Evidence was. brought for the Grown to show that Hunt was intoxicated, at the time of the accident. Two- eyewitnesses -stated that- Hunt’s speed would be- between 25 to 35 miles an hour, hut whereas one stated that the lorry driven by accused had. run into the bicycle, ridden by Airs Kingsland, the other stated he would not be sure of that. Both witnesses gave evidence that the lorry had zig-zagged after passing them. Further evidence was brought to show that Hunt had not applied his brakes- and that the brakes were less efficient than they -should be under the regulations. Evidence for the defence sought to prove that the brakes were efficient and that the zig-zagging was caused by a faulty drag link. One witness said the bicycle had run into the lorry. Hunt, in evidence, denied having seen Mrs Kingsland at all. He denied that the wheels had gone over the body and stated that he was neither drunk nor intoxicated.
His Honour pointed out that the Crown must prove- negligence and not intoxication.
After a retirement of two- hours the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
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Bibliographic details
Hawera Star, Volume L, 28 May 1930, Page 9
Word Count
235DRIVER ACQUITTED Hawera Star, Volume L, 28 May 1930, Page 9
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