Accident Collision Sequel

Northern Advocate, 1 August 1938, Page 9

Accident Collision Sequel

A reserved decision judgment was given by Mr G. N. Morris, S.M.; in the Magistrate's Court this morning in the case in which Consell Grace Haytor was charged with negligent and clangorous driving, and Frederick Craddock Williams was charged with negligent and dangerous driving, and Frederick Craddock Williams was counselling her to drive negligently dangerously' and without a drivor'r license.

‘ I am quite clear that there has been negligence on the part of at least one of the defendants." said Mr Morris. "It is clear the other car was first on the bridge, and there is also evidence to show that the collision occurred towards defendants’ end of the bridge. It Ins also been shown that defendants’ car pulled over to the left. Defendants then changed their minds and came on. a highly dangerous proceeding. The question to bo decided is which of the two to convict.

"We have certain contradictions, in that Williams admitted taking full responsibility from Miss Hayter, and yet, on the other hand. Miss Hayter had previously held a driver’s license, although she did not have one at the time of the accident.

“T am going to hold, that Williams was trying to protect Miss Haytor. This was an act of chivalry, on his part. but. I am taking Miss Hayter as being responsible and am rejecting Williams’ statement.”

All the charges against Williams were dismissed. Miss Hayter being convicted and ordered to pay witness’s expenses, amounting to £l7 Is 9d, and court costs of £1 7s, on the dangerous driving charge. The negligent driving charge w.as withdrawn.

“The costs are more than the offence warrants,” commented Mr Morris.