BEACH MOTOR TRAGEDY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 71

BEACH MOTOR TRAGEDY.

NEGLIGENT DRIVER SENTENCED. AUCKLAND. July 28. Found guilty of negligently driving- a motor car and causing the death of Airs Elizabeth Spender, of Kaitaia. while speeding on Ninety Alile Beach. Victor Ferdinand Eisenhut was to-day fined £5O and his license was cancelled for two years by Air Justice Stringer. His Honor commented on the inefficient manner in which the motor race meeting was conducted. | In sentencing the prisoner to-day his Honor said he quite agreed with the decision of the jury. He was quite satisfied that Eisenhut was guilty of reckless driving, and had disregarded the safety of other people. ‘‘lf I were satisfied that you were under the influence of liquor I would sentence you to a substantial term of imprisonment,” continued his Honor, addressing prisoner ; ‘‘but I am prepared to accept the evidence of witnesses that you were sober. 1 think this race meeting was conducted in a very loose and inefficient way, and it was natural that there should be some laxity on the part of drivers.” In view of Eise-nhut’s injuries and of heavy damages claimed against him, and taking into account his previous good character, and the jury's recommendation to leniency he would be dealt with lightly, added his Honor. A fine of £5O with one week to pay, in default three months’ imprisonment. was imposed. Further his driving license would be cancelled for a period of two years from the expiration of the present licensing year.