Fatal Injuries

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7193, 27 June 1933, Page 11

Fatal Injuries

MOTORIST CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENCE AUCKLAND, Juno 22. At the inquest into the death of David Percival Ellis, who, on the ovening of May 7, was found on the roadside in Takapuna, from head injuries, simultaneously, evidence was heard on tho charge against Noel William MeColl, of Otorokanga, of negligent driving, thereby causing Ellis’s death. Evidenco was given that just before Ellis was found there was a rainstorm, and a small car, incompletely lighted, was observed travelling fast along the main road. The sister-in-law of the accused, who was a passenger in the car, gave evidenco that when the car was in Hurstmero road (where Ellis was subsequently found), tho accused’s wife called out, “I think we hit something.” The accused did not stop the car. Other evidence was given that later in the evening a man, alleged to be MeColl, called at a garage and bought a headlight lamp and bulb. The left hand glass and bulb were broken, and tho lamp was twisted. He said he had collided with a lorry. The polico produced a statement, allegedly made by the accused, in which ho said he hit something and got “the wind up.” He pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed for trial. Bail was allowed. As Coroner, tho Magistrate returned a verdict tliat Ellis’s death was due to a fractured skull, caused by being knocked down by a car driven by the accused. He said the question as to whether the car was driven negligently was for the jury to decide.