WOMAN'S DEATH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22824, 7 March 1936, Page 18

WOMAN'S DEATH

DRAMA OF THE ROAD

SEQUEL TO CAR CHASE.

Two mobile police officers alleged at Highgate, London, that during a thrilling pursuit of a car they saw it kill a woman pedestrian, tossing her into the air. The man in the dock, Frank William Brinn, aged 40, a cartage contractor, of Hillside Gardens, Barnet, was charged with the manslaughter of Harriet Hands, aged CO, on the previous night. He was further charged with driving in a manner dangerous to the public, and also with driving at more than 30 m/o.h. in a built-up area. Constable Douglas Rice told the court that he was on duty with another officer in a police car patrolling Regent's Park road, travelling north. When near East Elm road Brinn overtook and passed the police car, which was travelling at 30 miles an hour. The police gong was sounded, but Brinn did not stop. The police car kept an even .distance of 30 yards from Brinn's car and found it to be travelling at from 42 to 44 miles an hour. The r>olice car accelerated and drew to the off-side of the other car. The other constable, P.C. Watson, sounded the gong, but Brinn, it was alleged, did not stop. He drew out over tlje crown of the road and forced the police car to the off-side and to brake sharply to avoid oncoming traffic. "THROWN INTO THE AIR."

The officer added that Brinn continued driving north, and 'at Tally Ho! Corner the police car again drew abreast. Constable Watson opened the door of the police' car, leaned out and called on Brinn in a loud voice to stop. The gong was also sounded, but Brinn, it was declared, did not stop. He continued driving at 45 to 55 miles an hour. Brinn passed through Whetstone, and was some yards north of the Black Bull Public House, the police car being 30 or 40 yards in the rear, when Constable Rice saw a woman crossing the roadway about five yards in front of Brinn's car. Brinn's car. it was alleged, struck her and threw her into the air. Brinn's car skidded to the off-side and then back to the near side, and his speed was reduced to five miles an hour.

The police car overtook him, forcing him to stop. Constable Watson jumped out and went to Brinn, while Constable Bice went to the injured woman's assistance and telephoned for the ambulance. Brinn was remanded on bail.