INTOXICATED DRIVER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20293, 28 June 1929, Page 14

INTOXICATED DRIVER.

ARREST AT MIDNIGHT,

" ANTICS " OF" MOTOR-CAR

TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS .FINE. " Accused went to a party and thought that ho was sober enough to drive home at midnight," said Mr. Dickson in the Police Court yesterday, when Octavius George Garlick, aged 42, 1 engineer, was charged with being found intoxicated whilo in charge of a motorcar in Symonds Street. Sub-Inspector McCarthy said that about midnight a constable saw a car driven by accused near the corner of Symonds Street and Karangahapo Road. His attention was drawn, to the car by its antics, and he accosted the driver, who was found to bo under the influence of .liquor. Accusod was taken to the police station, where ho frankly admitted that ho had been to a party and had taken a few drinks. Mr. Dickson said that when accused left the party ho thought ho had sufficient control over hirnsolf to drivo tho car. It was rather unfortunate that ho had been seen by a lonely constablo at that time of night. There was no question of dangor to the public, as the streets were deserted at that hour, and tho only person ho was likely to injuro was himself. It was unfortunate that such men as accused, who bore an excellent character, should have to mix with criminals. There should bo somo other provision made for them. Accused had-spent tho night in the colls with the criminals of Auckland. It was suggested that men such as accused should be allowed to plead when they reached the police station, and then be allowed to go, as they wero not likely to abscond. Counsel askod for a lenient penalty on account of the circumstances. "Accused will bo fined £25, and his licence will bo cancelled for six lnonths," said- the magistrate, Mr. F. K. Hunt. Mr. Dickson: That is no different from tho last similar case. The Magistrate: Yes it is, it is £5 more. On tho application of counsel accused was allowed a week in which to pay the fine.