INTOXICATED MOTORIST

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 62, Issue 4422, 7 May 1941, Page 4

INTOXICATED MOTORIST

MAORI DRIVER IN TROUBLE. Messrs S. Clark and W. Jeffery, J.P.’s, presided at the Te Awamutu Court yesterday when George Fitzell, of Pokuru, was charged on three counts of operating a car without a driver’s license, that the vehicle carried no warrant of fitness and that he drove while in a state of intoxication.

Sergt. Clist said that as a result of complaint, the accused was apprehended in Alexandra Street. He was in an intoxicated condition, being “very badly drunk.” The accused pleaded guilty to all three charges preferred against him. In answer to questions, he said he purchased the car last year; he had driven cars earlier than that and had never had a license.

The police said the car had a defective brake. In all, it was a very bad case. This was the accused’s first prosecution for this class of offence. The menace of drunken drivers was altogether too prevalent. The Bench remarked that ample warning had been given and leniency could not be hoped for. All offenders must be either fined or sent to prison.

Accused was convicted and fined £l5 with costs, and an order was made debarring him from obtaining a driver’s license. In default, if the fine is not duly paid, one month’s imprisonment was ordered.

The Bench remarked on the prevalence of the .drunken driver. It suggested a degree of carelessness and if this persisted the penalties would have to be increased.