Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser Wednesday 21 Jan 1925
Page 3 Column 6
KNOCKED DOWN BY BICYCLE
SEQUEL TO STREET RACING AT TAUNTON
YOUNG LABOURER'S OMISSION.
One of two lads who, Superintendent CHAPMAN alleged, were racing through High-street at 8.30 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th, knocked down a woman pedestrian and was charged at the Borough Police-court on Wednesday, before the Mayor (Councillor J. C. LANE), Mrs. MINETT and Mr. J. WHITE, with failing to give audible warning of his approach. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was Clifford VIRGIN, a labourer, of No. 1, Court, High-street.
Mrs. Beatrice May MANUEL said on the evening in question she was crossing the road in High-street, where she lived, when all of a sudden a bicycle knocked her down from behind. The defendant, who was on the near-side of the road, did not ring his bell. Had he done so, witness would have heard him. She said to VIRGIN, “Why didn't you ring your bell?” and he replied, “Oh, I did.”
Mrs. Daisy FORWARD, another pedestrian, said she heard Mrs. MANUEL scream and went into the road and picked her up. Witness was quite sure that the defendant, who was riding with another boy, did not ring his bell.
A cousin, Sidney VIRGIN, said he was riding with the defendant on the evening in question. Witness was near the kerb a little way in front of his cousin, and saw Mrs. MANUEL crossing the road. He rang his bell and just afterwards heard Mrs. MANUEL shouting at the defendant, who said he rang his bell.
Supt. CHAPMAN: I put it to you that you two boys were racing through the street- riding as fast as you could? - No, sir.
Further replying to the Superintendent, witness said he was quite certain he heard his cousin ring his bell. He admitted, however, he did not tell Mrs. MANUEL that the defendant did so.
The defendant said he rang his bell. He also had a lamp.
Imposing a fine of 5s. the Mayor said the Bench wanted to make it clear that there must be more care taken on the part of cyclists, and racing through the town could not be permitted.
The defendant: If you do ring your bell down High-street the people don't get out of your way.
They Major: That is not your concern. Your duty is to ring your bell and comply with the law.
A fortnight was allowed for payment.