ON A DRUNKEN SPREE’

Taranaki Daily News, 2 May 1935, Page 12

ON A DRUNKEN SPREE’

OBSCENE LANGUAGE USED. THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. Pleading guilty to a charge of using obscene language at Awakino on April 30 William Brewer was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by Messrs. R. W. D. Robertson and J. R. Hill, J.S P„ at the New Plymouth Court yesterday. On a further charge of incurring a debt or liability to the extent of £l5 for taxi hire and obtaining credit from Hori Ernest Baker Robson by fraud Brewer pleaded not guilty and was remanded to Auckland. Mr. H. S. Weston, appeared for accused. Senior-Sergeant Turner said Brewer engaged Robson to drive him from Auckland to Mokau. As the journey was a long, one the taxi driver took a companion with him. On the way Brewer called at several houses and on two occasions ■he brought out a dog, which was placed in the car. He consumed a quantity of liquor throughout the day and when near Awakino he became abusive and used the language complained of. He wanted to fight the driver. His behaviour at Mokau was such that he was arrested by Constable Powell. He was released recently from prison on a probationing license. Brewer was on' a “drunken spree, said Mr. Weston. He was under the influence of liquor and had no knowledge of the offence. The publication of the words complained of was only to the driver and his companion and it could not be called a serious offence. In view of the fact that Brewer knew nothing of the offence he asked that he be-treated leniently as there was always the danger of Brewer having his probationary licence cancelled. The bench viewed the offence seriously. Brewer had a formidable list of previous convictions and previous terms of imprisonment seemed to have had no effect upon him. He would be sentenced to three months’ imprisonment..