CAUSING DEATH.

Wairarapa Age, 31 July 1936, Page 5

CAUSING DEATH.

MOTOR CYCLIST SENTENCED. SIX MONTHS’ REFORMATIVE DETENTION. PALMERSTON N., July 30. Sentence of reformative detention not exceeding six months and disqualification from holding a driver’s licence for five years, was imposed by Mr. Justice Blair on William Richard Paul, 21, factory hand, who was found, guilty by a jury on a charge of negligently driving a motor cycle at Awahuri on April 17 thereby causing the death of Irene Campbell, aged 16. The jury had strongly recommended leniency and stated that liquor was not a contributing factor to the accident. His Honour said that the case had given him a great deal of anxiety. The prisoner had an admirable record and led an industrious life. The case had lamentable features so far as- the accused was concerned. His Honour had no doubt that the accused felt a good deal of remorse over the accident, but if he acceded to the suggestion made by counsel, Mr. Ongley, that the case be met by a fine, he would be placed in the position that he would never be able to treat in any other way any case in which the whole blame was on the person charged. He had tried to see whether by treating such cases with a certain degree of leniency that would work, but it had not bitten into the consciences of drivers. Newspapers had complained that Judges had been too lenient in the sentences imposed, but a Judge must not allow any element of harshness or injustice to enter into a sentence or juries would feel they would not convict. That was the position when cases of this description were dealt with as manslaughter charges. It was only after legislation was introduced altering it to negligent driving thereby causing death, and they got rid of the objectionable term manslaughter, that juries would convict.—(P.A.)