6 MONTHS' GAOL FOR MOTORIST.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18182, 15 June 1927, Page 9

6 MONTHS' GAOL FOR MOTORIST.

HUMAN LIFE MUST EE PROTECTED, SAYS SUPREME COURT JUDGE. Per Presa Association. NELSON, June 15. The hearing of a charge against Edward Carl Smith of negligently driving a motor-car at Motueka on April 1 thereby causing the death of Yolande Murphy, was concluded in the Supreme Court last night, before Mr Justice Macgregor. After three hours’ retirement the jury returned with a verdict of guilty with a strong recommendation to mercy on the ground that, to a long and strenuous day, accused was not able to exercise the care necessary for a person driving a car and that he was not recklessly negligent. In sentencing accused to six months’ reformative detention to-day, his Honor said that he agreed with the jury’s recommendation. Accused had not been in a fit state to exercise due care (owing to a long and strenuous day). The Court considered, however, that accused would have been more mentally alert had he not stopped at a wayside hotel and taken liquor. Continuing, his Honor said that human life was becoming to be held too cheaply on the part of certain motorists. Human life must be protected. Fine or probation was out of the question.