CART ZIG-ZAGGED ACROSS THE ROAD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17881, 24 June 1926, Page 5

CART ZIG-ZAGGED ACROSS THE ROAD.

DRIVER HAD MIXTURE OF COUGH MEDICINE AND STIFF RUM. Owing to the frequency with which he had offended previously the maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment was imposed on Charles Neilson, labourer, aged thirty-six, who pleaded guilt}' in the Magistrate's Court this morning to being drunk while in charge of a horse and cart in St Albans Street. He also admitted a breach of his prohibition order. Sub-Inspector Mathew said that the cart was zig-zagging across the road and blocked the progress of a motorcar which was following. Nelson had a companion who was also drunk. Ac.cused had been before the Court several times previously for the same thing. Mr P. Hall said that Neilson was suffering from influenza and had overdosed himself with a cough cure. His condition was the result of a good stiff rum which he had about 4.30, and this had a very bad effect in conjunction with the other. The other man who was in the cart had not been with Neilson during the day. Neilson was merely giving him a lift. The Magistrate (Mr 11. A. Young) said that accused had been before the Court eight times for being drunk while in charge of a horse and cart. He had also been convicted of other offences, and on the last occasion he was also prohibited. He had beejn told then what would happen if he came before the Court again. He would be sentenced to the maximum term of three months’ imprisonment. On the charge of committing a breach of his prohibition order Neilson was convicted and ordered to pay casts 12s 6d.