INTOXICATED IN VAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22210, 10 September 1935, Page 14

INTOXICATED IN VAN

MAN'S FOURTH CONVICTION "MUST BE TAKEN OFF ROAD" NOT TO DRIVE FOR TWO YEARS "Tliis man must be taken off the roads," said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court yesterday when William Arthur Hawkins, aged 35, a salesman and land agent, was charged with being intoxicated whilo in charge of a motor-van in Dominion Road on Saturday. Accused, who was represented by Mr. Noble, admitted the offence. Sub-Lnspector Fox stated that the van which accused was employed to drive was parked in Eden Terrace at 11 o'clock on Saturday night in such a way as to impede other traffic. When the van moved off it was followed by a constable in a motor-car. The van was following an erratic course along Dominion Road and after it had gone a short distance it was stopped by the constable, who found the driver to bo in an intoxicated condition. Mr. Fox added that accused had three previous convictions for similar offences, having been treated leniently in April, when a fine of £lO, with cancellation of his driver's licence for three months, was imposed. In 1928 he was fined £SO and had his licence cancelled for three years and in 1927 ho was fined £1.5 and had his licenco cancelled lot one year. Accused was a dangerous man on tho road. "Accused is a very sick man; he has had operation after operation," said counsel. "He says he was suffering groat pain and took some gin, which went to his head. He is willing to take out a prohibition order." Mr. Hunt.: Ho will have to take a new job, that is what he will have to do. "Accused has already had three chances," added the magistrate. "If I do not take him off the roads the insurance companies will take steps to do so. However, I will not fine him heavily." A fine of £lO was imposed and accused's driver's licence was cancelled, no other to bo issued for two years. COLLISION NEAR THAMES CAR DRIVER FINED £2 [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] THAMES, Monday A collision on Saturday evening between a car driven by Russell Green, of Kopuarahi, and a lorry driven by Ah Chan on the main Thames-Kopu Road had a sequel in the Police Court this morning, when Russell Green was charged with driving a car while in a state of intoxication. Evidence was given by constables who were called to the scene of the accident that Green was under the influence of liquor. Dr. T. Miller, who saw accused shortly after the collision, said Green was not drunk, but had taken enough liquor to impair his judgment in an emergency. Accused, who was represented by Mr. E. J. Clendon, gave evidence that he was driving on his correct side when Ah Chan's vehicle crashed into his car. Accused said he and his passengers were quite sober. A passenger who was seated next to Green said Ah Chan's vehicle seemed to come straight at Green's car. Green was quite sober. Accused was convicted and fined £2. ! ■ -