PASSENGER KILLED

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1938, Page 9

PASSENGER KILLED

By Telegraph—Press Association.

car's crash into pole CHARGE AGAINST DRIYER INTOXICATION ALLEGED

Auckland, Last Night. A sequel to a fatal motor-car accident near St. Joseph's convent on the Great North Road on the evening of April 16 was heard in the Police Court to-day. John Frederick Copley, a labourer aged 42 years, appeared before Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., charged that while in a state of intoxication in charge of a car by an act or ornission thereto he caused the death of Walter Henry Doyle. Elizabeth Doyle, widow of tlie victim, said her husband visited the Auckland hospital on the afternoon of April 16 and returned with the accused, whom she had not seen before. Copley was driving a car, although he appeared to have had liquor. Copley and her husband had a glass of beer together in the house before they left in the car to go to New Lynn shortly before 7 o'clock. Charles Ern'est Cavit, St. John Ambulance drlver, said Doyle died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Medical Opinion. Dr. Vivian said he examined Copley shortly after the accident. Copley had a marked smell of liquor about him and could not walk straight. In his opinion Copley had had an excessive arnount of alcohol and was totally unfit to be in charge of a car. Dr. Fowler, pathologist, said it was his opinion that Doyle died from haemorrhage resulting from a wound in his neck which severed an artery. Constable McGuire said the impact of the car with a power pole caused considerable damage to the vehicle. The windscreen was extensively smashed, especially on the passenger's side.

Detective Cromwell said there was a strong smell of liquor in the car, beside which a broken beer bottle also lay on the footpath. He noticed Copley was drunk and arres-ted him. After being medically examined Copley said he swerved to avoid two cyclists, and a blow-out in the tyre caused the car to swing on to the footpath and into the power pole. He gave his speed as 30 miles an hour. The night was fine and visibility was good. Copley pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. A further charge of being intoxicated in charge of a car was adjoumed until after the Supreme Court hearing. Bail of £100 was renewed.