Police court life

At the Norton (Malton) Police Court, on Saturday before Lieut Col Sir James D Legard (presiding), Alderman R Metcalfe, Major Hall, and Mr TAP Harrison - OW Pickering, Sherburn, a despatch rider in the Volunteers, was summoned for having used petrol at Staxton contrary to the Motor Spirit Order. Sergt Norman said he was on duty at Staxton on Monday, May 20th, when he saw defendant driving a motor cycle and side-car. Defendant stated that he was going to Seamer station with his uncle in order to catch a train to get to Hull to be medically examined for the army. Cross-examined by Mr Soulby, who appeared for the defence, Sergeant Norman said that as far as he knew no railway connection was available by which defendant’s uncle could have caught the train for Seamer to get to Hull in time for his medical examination, which was timed for 9.30. Defendant’s uncle could have engaged a motor car in the village which was for hire.

Mr Soulby: Oh, that’s the position, is it?

We could have done what we did if we had used the hired car, but even in the carrying out of an important public duty it was wrong to use a private car. As a matter fact, the Order we are alleged to have broken will allow us to use even a private car for an important public duty. It seems a pity that the police should have brought this case and have harassed a man in which I am sure the Bench must allow was an important public duty at the present time.

The case was dismissed.