MOTOR-CABS IN COLLISION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18710, 16 May 1924, Page 4

MOTOR-CABS IN COLLISION.

ONE DRIVER CONVICTED. !

TRAVELLED AT DANGEROUS RATE.

The case in whidh a young man, Cyril Douglas Rusden (Mr. Northcroft), was charged with dangerous driving, following a motor-car collision at night in Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, was concluded before Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday. Senior-Sergeant Eawle conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. Wilson appeared on behalf of the insurance companies concerned. Ifc was admitted for the defence that the action of defendant in proceeding on without stopping after the accident seemed suspicious, bub it would be said in extenuation that the young man was in a panic. Counsel maintained that it was the driver of the other car, Roy Collins, wiho was speeding and who did not ' keep a proper look-out. He was going so fast'; indeed, that it was not until he was abreast of Surrey Street that he attempted to swerve. Rusden, said counsel, had been seized upon as the guilty party simply because of his subsequent foolish conduct. The magistrate said he was satisfied that defendant had been going top fast to have a chance of avoiding a collision. According to the evidence he did not attempt to slow down or turn aside. As, however, there would probably be further legal proceedings arising out. of the present action, he was loth" to inflict a heavy penally. , There was the question, too, of contributory negligence, and strictly speaking both drivers were liable to prosecution. '.■'.' .',..;' Rufden was convicted and ordered to pay costs amounting to £8 3s. .