DETECTIVE’S ACTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 204, 29 July 1937, Page 2

DETECTIVE’S ACTION.

MAGISTRATE’S CRITICISM. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 28. Criticism of a detective’s actions ill a house which he had visited to interview a man who had been involved in an accident was passed by Mr Wyvern 'Wilson. S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court during a case in which Clyde Steel Kerr was charged with being intoxicated in charge of a motor truck and also with dangerous driving. Detective Gillum said that at 12.45 a.m. on May 12 lie went to the scene of an accident which had been reported at Epsom. Kerr was not there, so witness and two constables went to his house. Mrs Kerr answered the door and said her husband was in bed. She asked witness to - return the following day, but they were admitted after witness had told her that an early interview was imperative as there was a question of defendant’s sobriety. Defendant refused to answer any questions and ordered them out of the house.

The Magistrale: The previous witness has said that Tie went into the iiouse half an hour later and you were still trying to get a statement. What were you doing? Witness: I was reasoning with him and trying to find out his condition. Tile Magistrate: Rut, detective, you had no right there. The proper course to take would have been to ask if Kerr would see you. If he asked von to come hack next day he was within his rights. You had no search warrant and it was not proper for you to refuse to tro after lie told you'to leave. I don’t like it. 1 The charge of intoxication was dismissed. and on the other charge defendant was fined £3 and costs the Magistrate ordering that his license should he endorsed.