MOTORIST’S TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1927, Page 3

MOTORIST’S TRIAL

(I’y Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND. Oct. 28. The trial of Alfred Louis Hastedt, charged with negligently driving a motor car and causing the death of George Andrew Benjamin Norton, took place at the Supreme Court today. Tho accident- giving rise to the ease occurred on the Great North Road, Grey Lynn, on August 12th. Tho widow of the deceased gave evidence that she was hoarding a tramcar when she heard a crash, and saw that her husband, who had gone hack to got a bag she had lott at home, had (been struck down as he was returning.

Estimates of the accused’s speed ranged from 25 to 30 miles an hour. The police evidence disclosed that the accused, in a statement, said lie was travelling at 20 miles an hour, on the correct side of the road, when the deceased suddenly ran out. Ihe accused said ho pulled up in 15 yards. “Do you think that, on tho evidence. you are entitled to ask the jury to return a verdict of guilty?” Justice Reed asked counsel for the Crown, at the conclusion of the case for the prosecution. Mr Hubble admitted that there was room for very grave doubt on the question of negligence, but said that he preferred tho jury to decide. His Honour: “If this man can be convicted, anyone can Ik: in a case where lie strikes a man who runs out on the street in front of him.” Mr Hubble: “I admit that the circumstances are not so strong as in mam- cases brought before the

Court.” His Honour (to the jury): “Do you want to boar any more evidence? Tlie Foreman and several members of the jury replied that thev did not. and after a short discussion a verdict of “Not guilty” was returned without the jury leaving their bench-

“T quite agree with you.” said Justice Reed. “1 do not think the evidence warrants any other verdict. Tho accused was then discharged. ANOTHER MOTORIST CHARGED. HASVEE A. Oct. 28.

Walter William Vickery, pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Carton, and was committed for trial on a Charge of negligently driving a motor car on the main road near Manaia on June 18th, thereby causing the death of a motor cyclist. Otto Amlehn. who died at the hospital on July 4th. Prosecution alleged that deceased was knocked down by the accused’s car, his injuries sustained resulting in jus death-