NEGLIGENT DRIVING

Southland Times, Issue 20205, 16 June 1927, Page 7

NEGLIGENT DRIVING

CHARGE AGAINST MOTORIST. SEQUEL TO FATALITY. (Per United Press Association.) Nelson, June 15. The hearing of a charge against Em Carl Smith of negligently driving a motor car at Motueka, on April 1 last, thereby causing the death of Yolande Murphy was concluded at the Supreme Court last night before Mr Justice MacGregor. After three hours’ retirement, the jury returned with a verdict of guilty with a strong recommendation to mercy on the grounds that owing to his long and strenuous day accused was not able to exercise the care necessary for a person driving a car and that he was not recklessly negligent. In sentencing accused to six months’ reformative detention to-day his Honour said he agreed with the jury’s recommendation. Accused was not in a fit state to exercise due care owing to a long and strenuous day. He considered, however, accused would have been more mentally alert had he not stopped at a wayside hotel and taken liquor. Continuing his Honour said human life was becoming to be held too cheap on the part of certain motorists. Human life must be protected. A fine or probation was out of the question.