SANSON MOTOR SMASH

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10669, 16 August 1920, Page 5

SANSON MOTOR SMASH

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE WARREN NT3WTH FOUND NOT' GUILTY. r-Slt PRESS ASSOCIATION. PALMERSTON N.. August 15. The manslaughter chargo against Warren Ncwt-h, arising out of tho recent Sanson motor fatality, resulting in three deaths, was concluded yesterday, when further evidence for the defence was given. ' An eye-witness named Harris volunteered evidence, and said he saw Newth's car approaching fully lighted. Ho declared that Eglintou's car was unlighted. ' Passengers in Newth's car testified that Eglinton. had ho lights on his car and Newbli had travelled at a very moderate pace. None of the oocuX>ants KMV ' the approaching car.. It was alleged that Eglinton drove on the wrong sido of tho road, and must have been crossing over when the impact occurred on a slight bend. In his address counsel for the accused stated that the. Crown's case had been entirely disproved. There was clear evidence tliat Newth drove at a -moderate pace, yet Eglinton had averaged a greater speed. The police teste had bean carried out unfairly, and tho prosecution had based its ©as* purely on theory, which, was not sustained by tho evidence. Addressing" the jury the Oown Prosecutor admitted that, if his case doponded entirely on whether Eglinton had lights at tho time of tho collision it would fail. Tho evidence on that point was not, conclusive; nevertheless with ordinary care accused should have seen the approaching oar, even uulighted. 'The evidence of the eyewitness could not be accepted as conclusive.

After a retirement of nearly two hours the jury returned >a verdict of not guilty.