"Police Would Welcome Inquiry"
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NY official inquiry into allegations that Darlaston police had unfairly obtained a statement from a lorry driver would be welcomed by the police authorities, said Mr. M. A. B. King Hamilton, Q.C., before Staffordshire Quartet. Sessions Appeals Committee last Friday.
He was representing the police, who were respondents in an appeal by Wright Bros. (Wolverhampton), Ltd., Crown Street, Wolverhampton, against conviction and a fine of £10 imposed by Wed nesbury magistrates in December last for not ensuring that the packing and adjustment of a load were such that no danger was caused.
Mr. King Hamilton said that a 56-ft.long girder appeared to have slipped from the lorry, causing obstruction. He alleged that the load was not properly secured. in one of the grounds of appeal the appellants alleged that the evidence of a witness was obtained by duress and/or a promise of favour.
"The first comment I would make is that it is strongly denied," said counsel. As he was about to explain the basis of the allegations, he was interrupted by Mr. Bernard Gillis, Q,C.. representing the appellants.
Mr. Gillis contended that it was not proper for the prosecution, now in the hands of the respondents, to bring the matter to the Committee when they did not intend to call a witness.
Mr. Paul Layton, chairman, said that the Committee were concerned with the trial of the offence, as it was a rehearing.
" We are not concerned yet, at any rate, with anything to do with allegations against the police or anything else," he stated.
Mr. King Hamilton: "There are methods of probing complaints of this sort, and it is open to my friend's clients to make representation to the Home Office, where there can be proper investigation. My clients are only too anxious to have the matter probed."
The company's transport manager. Robert Arthur Sneath, said he examined the load and was satisfied with it.
The appeal was dismissed with costs.
FULL INCREASE REFUSED
A FTER seeking a 10-per-cent. r-L advance in rates from Blackburn Town Council, the Road Haulage Association have accepted one of 74 per cent., which will cost the council an extra £200 a year.