MOTORIST PUNISHED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 123, 23 April 1940, Page 10

MOTORIST PUNISHED.

Before Mr H. P. Lawry, fe.M., in tho Palmerston North Magistrates Court yesterday, John Joseph Gonlcy, aged 32, clerk, pleaded not guilty through Mr A. M. Ongley to a charge of being intoxicated while in charge of a motor-car at Whakarongo on March 17. Dr. C. W. Peach, m evidence, described the condition ot defendant when the latter was at the Palmerston North police station. In witness’s opinion defendant was totally unfit to drive a car Constable Munro gave evidence of proceeding to Whakarongo in response to a telephone call. He could not rouse defendant, whom he lilted into another seat and who remained asleep till Palmerston North was reached. Mr Ongley stated that on the previous evening defendant had attended a gathering at Makcrua. The

next morning early he drove an A.shlnirst resident home and on returning felt fatigued and pulled up his car, falling asleep. It was on record that defendant was particularly difficult to awaken when tired. Evidence was given by defendant that up till G. 30 lie had had about five beers, and no more than four at Makerua; ho frequently went into a deep coma when fatigued and found it difficult to wake up. Dr. F. Ward gave evidence that on examining defendant at about 7.15 be was inclined to think defendant was fit to drive a car. His co-or-di.nation was good, but his judgment “was not 100 per cent.” Evidence was also given by H. P. Hodgens, A. H. Mawson, W. Brockie and C. A. Olivecrona to the effect that defendant was sober on the night in question. Stating that the evidence did not disprove that defendant had been intoxicated, the Magistrate imposed a fine of £ls, with £2 2s costs, and cancelled his license for twelve months. Time was allowed in which to pay tho fine. j