MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE UPHELD.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 26 August 1930, Page 5

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE UPHELD.

JURY RECOMMENDS MERCY FOR YOUNG MOTORIST.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) HAMILTON, This Bay. A collision between two cars on the Morrinsville-Hamilton Roa& at Newstead on the evening of May Bth, in which a young man named Thomas Shaw was killed, led to the appearance of his cousin, Hector John Shaw, aged 20 years, in the Supreme Court, Hamilton, on a charge of having negligently driven a car so as to cause death.

After a retirement of three hours, the jury returned a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to mercy on account of the prisoner’s youth. The evidence showed that, the road was clear and both vehicles had a clear view of each other. The accused attributed his vehicle skidding to its having struck a pothole in the road.

“HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND.”

DRIVER SAYS HIS MIND WAS PRACTICALLY A BLANK.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND', This Day.

Charged with negligent drivng, causing death, Robert John Burling, aged 24, a farmer, of Purihaka, near Taumarunui, appeared in the Otahuhu Police. Court to day. The charge arose out of an accident near Manurewa on August 2nd, when Charles Berry Simons was killed. The first witness said he heard defendant say, after the accident, “Poor Charlie, he was my best friend.” In a signed statement, produced in Court, defendant said, “My mind was practically a blank after I left Hamilton. My first recollection is seeing my mate on the road after the accident. ” Burling pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial.

The Magistrate reserved Ms decision on a charge against Burling of having been intoxicated while in charge of the car.