DRUG ADDICT FINED

Taranaki Daily News, 17 September 1934, Page 7

DRUG ADDICT FINED

NEGLIGENT MOTOR DRIVING. CANCELLATION OF LICENCE. Auckland, Sept. 13. A one-legged motorist, Stanley Jones, who admitted being under the influence of a drug on September 4 when he collided with another motdr-car in Dominion Road, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court before Mr. W. R. McKean; S.M., yesterday with negligent driving. Inspector Edwards said defendant had continued straight on aftex- he had struck the other car. The driver, a woman, followed him to a garage and believed he was in an intoxicated condition. She reported the incident to Constable Carson. Defendant was a drug addict, and on account of that had previously come under the notice of the police. Inspector Edwards said he did not know how defendant had obtained his licence, but in a drugged condition he was a menace on the road.

Mr. Holmden, who appeared for defendant, said his client had been driving for many years, and had a special appliance fitted on his car- owing to his disability. His leg had been amputated in 1912 and to alleviate his suffering his doctor, since dead, had introduced him to the drug heroin. At one time he had taking as much as 15 grains, but in an endeavour i. do without it permanently he was now taking it only in very small quantities. He had been in Auckland only eight weeks, having arrived from Christchurch, and required his car for his business, which was that of a traveller in drapery lines. Dr. C. E. A. Coldicutt said defendant was being attended by him and was making a -eal effort to do without the drug. During the eight weeks he had been under witness’ care be had reduced his daily ration by two-thirds. Witness thought the drug would be eliminated in a few weeks, the time being subject to the patient; but at present it was' necessary to continue with it in smaller quantities. It was not possible to stop it at once without serious consequences to defendant’s health. Defendant said he did not recollect the accident and witness believed his statement was true. He had a peculiar manner of spech, which, added to his behaviour under the drug, might falsely lead one to believe he was intoxicated.

The magistrate said that while he doubted whether defendant would be able to stop the drug permanently he would fin< him £2 on , the negligent driving charge and cancel his licence in the meantime, reviewing his position at the end of two months.