Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Wednesday 4 October 1944, page 4


M.L.A. DROVE CAR UNDER INFLUENCE

Robert O'Halloran, 56, of Chandos Street, Ashfield, M.L.A. for Orange, was fined £10 bv Mr. Oram S.M. in Central Police Court yesterday for having driven a motor car in Central Railway yard on September 2 while under the influence of liquor.

Sergeant Adams said that about 11.15 p.m. he heard a loud noise and the grating of gears. O'Halloran waa

at the wheel of a car and appeared to be under the influence of liquor.

At the police station he said he had

had a few drinks.

In reply to Mr. W. F. Sheahan (for O'Halloran), Sergeant Adams said he was unaware that O'Halloran was under severe mental stress at the time, because of family bereavements. He admitted that his condition might have been aggravated by his dis- traught state.

Mr. Sheahan who pleaded guilty for O'Halloran submitted that there were extenuating circumstances. O'Hallo- ran's younger sister had been buried that day and a few weeks previously he had lost his eldest daughter. His son had contracted meningitis while returning from New Guinea. Loss of his driver's licence would be a great hardship, because he used his car as an agent and as a member of Parlia-

ment.

Mr. Oram said it would be a great hardship to anybody, but he was not prepared to extend the benefit of Sec-

tion 556A.

This means that the licence is

automatically cancelled for twelve

months.