ROADSIDE TRAGEDY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21986, 22 June 1933, Page 9

ROADSIDE TRAGEDY

MAN FATALLY INJURED CHARGE AGAINST MOTORIST. (Per United Press Association.* • AUCKLAND, June 21. An inquest was held to-day into the death of David Percival Ellis, who, on the evening of May 7, was found on the roadside in Takapuna suffering from head injuries. Simultaneously evidence was heard on a charge against Noel William M'Coll, of Otorohanga, of negligent driving, thereby causing Ellis’s death. Evidence was given that just before Ellis was found there was a rainstorm, and a small car, incompletely lighted, was observed travelling 4ast along the main road. A sister-in-law of the accused (a passenger in the car) gave evidence that when the car was in Hurshmere road (where Ellis was subsequently found) the accused’s wife called out; “ I think we hit something.” The accused did not stop the car. Other evidence was given that later in the evening a man—alleged to be M'Coll— called at a garage and bought a headlight lamp and a bulb. The lefthand glass and bulb were broken, and the lamp was twisted. Ee said he had collided with a lorry. The police produced a statement, allegedly made by the accused, in which he said that he hit something and “got the wind up.” , He pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence, and was committed for trial. Bail was allowed. As coroner the magistrate give a verdict that the deceased’s death was due to a fractured skull caused by being knocked down by a car driven by the accused. He said the question whether the car was driven negligently was for a jury to decide.