DRUNKEN MOTORIST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16201, 26 November 1926, Page 2

DRUNKEN MOTORIST

PINE OF £25 IMPOSED For being drunk in charge of a car last evening, Thomas Ryan, a contractor, was fined £25 at the Gisborae Magistrate's Court this morning. Senior-Sergeant Fitzpatrick said accused had driven to the Royal Hotel last evening and wanted drink. Upon his returning to the car, Constable Strawbridge, who came along, saw accused staggering. Defendant had borne an excellent character up to the present, but yesterday was looking for horses that had gone astray. He visitVd various hotels and got more than information about, the horses.

Mr. T. A. Coleman, for the accused, admitted the offence, but said it was not a bad case, such as came before the court, at times. Publication of the name would be a hardship to innocent people, while to deprive him of his car would mean that he could not get about his work, which was that of contracting. He suggested that a prohibition order be taken out, for this would be the means of keeping Ryan straight. ■ The magistrate, Mr. E. C. Levvey: What distinction do you draw between this and the other cases or' drunkenness in charge of a car, Mr. Coleman?

Mr. Coleman: 1 suggest that his condition was not very bad. Ho was not driving in a reckless manner, and although not having quite a normal control, had sufficient control to take it up Gladstone road and stop it. That is a clear distinction between this case and many or those which come before this court.

The magistrate said lie found it very difficult to make any differentiation between this ease and any other. However, he would make a slight amelioration in the penalty, although it might be opening the door to meretricious excuses. Defendant could take out a prohibition order if he liked. FTc would bo fined £2n and costs.