Hgv revocation changed to suspension
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• A Somerset haulage contractor had his heavy goods vehicle licence revocation replaced by a suspension until January 1 1973 when he came before the Western LA, Mr J. R. C. Samuel Gibbon, last week at Bristol. The LA said he took the action in view of a long and clean driving record Mr Clifford Farmer, of Buckland St Mary, near Chard, appeared at the adjourned hearing after his licence had been revoked following a conviction for having excess alcohol in his blood while in charge of a heavy goods vehicle. His solicitor, Mr J. P. Sedgeman, claimed that while Mr Farmer visited a friend who was the landlord of a public house, his beer had been "laced" with vodka without his knowledge. Mr Farmer had been given a breath test which proved positive and had been disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £20.
Mr Samuel Gibbon said without corroborative evidence he found it difficult to accept the story that Mr Farmer's drinks had been laced with vodka. However, he saw no reason why the incident should debar Mr Farmer from driving a heavy goods vehicle for ever.