1888, Drunk in charge of… a stream traction engine?
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FAREHAM.
Yesterday.—Before J. Carpenter-Garnier, W. H. Deane, F. Stapleton Bretherton, and C. E. Radclyffe, Esqs., and Sir William Parker, Bart.
A TRAMCAR AND STEAM ENGINE IN COLLISION.
—George Grant was summoned for being drunk while in charge of a steam traction engine near Cosham, on the 16th inst. Mr. G. Feltham defended, and Mr. B. Kent watched the case on behalf of the Provincial Tramway Co., the prosecution being instituted by the police.
—Samuel Scott, a tramway inspector, stated that while on duty at Cosham on the day in question, he received information which led him to go towards Ports Bridge, where he saw defendant in charge of a traction engine. He found that an accident had occurred, and seeing that defendant was drunk demanded his name and address. Defendant was very abusive, and the manner in which he backed his engine was dangerous to passing vehicles.
—George Henry Steel, tramcar driver, of Stamshaw, said that on the day in question while on his way to Cosham he saw defendant driving an engine in front of him. It was in the centre of the road, and witness shouted to him. The signalman then beckoned to the driver, who turned to the off side of the road, but before witness could pass him he suddenly shot the wheel of the engine in front of the car. His horses took fright and ran to the other side of the line, and witness narrowly escaped injury. Defendant, who was drunk, abused him, and threatened him with violence.
—By Mr. Feltham: All the men with the engine were the worse for drink. He did not allege that defendant ran into him wilfully, but was sure that the accident would not have happened had he been sober
—Mr. Jones, the landlord of the Coach and Horses, Hilsea, stated that the men who were in charge of the engine stopped at his house, and after obtaining a supply of water partook of some refreshment. He could not recognise the defendant, in fact, he did not know any of the men. They stayed at his house for a considerable time, and eventually witness told them to “Hurry away.”
—Mr. Feltham, in addressing the Bench for the defence, said that the prosecution had been instituted by a private company with a view to prevent Mr. Bevis, the owner of the engine, from bringing a civil action against them. He submitted that the accident was caused through the careless driving of the witness Steel, who, although signalled to stop, persisted in trying to pass the engine before it left the tramway. The car passed the two trucks behind the locomotive in safety, but ran into the engine, and the driver now sought to shield himself by bringing an unfounded charge of drunkenness against the defendant.
—Charles Green, labourer, of Portchester, called for the defence, said that he was walking behind the trucks when he saw the tramcar approaching. He shouted to defendant to leave the rails and signalled to Steel, but the latter would not stop, and ultimately the car collided with the locomotive. Defendant was quite sober, and afterwards drove through Cosham to Purbrook Fort, where they delivered ten tons of coal.
—Defendant, who gave evidence on oath, also said that he was sober, and the Bench dismissed the case.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Saturday 28 January, 1888