GIRL’S JUMP FROM CAR

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19551, 5 February 1938, Page 5

GIRL’S JUMP FROM CAR

REFUSED TO “GO PLACES” MOTORIST BEFORE COURT FAILING -TO-STOP CHARGE (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. Facing charges of failing to stop after an accident, failing to inquire whether assistance was necessary, and failing to render assistance, Kenneth Frank Bowden, of Kawakawa, appeared in the Supreme Court before Mr. Justice Callan and a jury.

The offence was alleged to have occurred on August 25.

Bowden was represented by Mr. Trimmer, of Whangarei, and Mr. Hubble represented the Crown. Proceedings concluded, late last night. ,

Dulcie May Squire, aged 18, of Kawakawa, said she was employed up to August 25 last as an usher at the Kawakawa picture theatre. On that night she finished work between 10.45 and 11 p.m. and started for home down the main street. Someone, said the witness, called out to her from a car. She did not know at first, who it was, but later she recognised the car. Bowden, the driver, asked her if she would like a lift as he was going past the hospital, She had known him for a long time.

The witness stated that there was another man in the front seat with Bowden, and she got in and sat on the rear seat. It was raining, and at the turn-off to the hospital and her home, Bowden took the wrong turning. Fell in a Drain She apprised him of the fact, and he said: “I am going places.” Witness replied: “Not wi'th me.” The witness said she then opened the right-hand door to jump out. The accused turned round and saw her and started to go faster. The witness stated that she jumped out and fell in the drain. Her face was on the metal and the water came over it from the drain. The car went a short distance and turned back to where she was lying. Both men got out. Mr. Hubble: What happened then?

The witness said that the accused kicked her with his foot and said: “She is dead!” Bowden started the car, the witness continued, and the men drove away. Her arm was fractured. Constable Muir said he interviewed the accused, who denied that the girl had been in his car. Later he admitted that she had been in the car and that he had forgotten all about it, because the girl had jumped out after being in the car about a minute. Legal argument followed as lo whether the case came under the section of the Mo'tor Vehicles Amendment Act, 1936, under which it was laid.

The accused, in evidence, said he did not see the girl jump out. He was drunk. There was no truth in the statement that he poked her witli his boot.

After a retirement, the jury stated that they could not agree. A new trial was ordered and the accused was released on bail.