Sarah
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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser Wednesday 20 Jan 1932
Page 7 Column 4
BRIDGWATER
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BOROUGH POLICE-COURT
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MOTOR-CYCLISTS THREE OFFENCES
Ernest Arthur STONE, unemployed general labourer, of Blackmore-lane, Cannington, pleaded guilty to not being covered against third party risks while riding a motor-cycle, to not having a red rear light, and to failing to illuminate the identification mark.
The Chief Constable (Mr. F. W. PEARCE) stated at 9.35 p.m. on Sunday, 10th January, P.S. BURTON was on duty in Barclay-street in company with P.C. MINERS, when he saw defendant in the roadway in charge of a motor-cycle. Defendant was apparently preparing to drive away, and a young woman was standing near. The motor-cycle was fitted with gas lamps, but the rear lamp was showing a very feeble light, which was not visible from a reasonable distance, and was not illuminating the rear identification plate. - P.S. BURTON advised defendant to rectify this before he drove away. - P.S. BURTON and P.C. MINERS walked into Salmon-parade, and defendant overtook them driving the motor-cycle in the direction of the Town Bridge with a young woman on the pillion seat. - P.S. BURTON saw no improvement had been effected to the rear light, and was unable to distinguish a single letter or figure on the rear identification plate. At his signal P.C. MINERS stopped defendant, who dismounted and walked away. P.S. BURTON went up to him, and told him he had not taken much trouble to put the rear light right. Defendant said he had had a look and it, and that it must be choked up. He would see if he could get it put right at the Duke of Monmouth. Defendant failed to produce a certificate of insurance, but undertook to do so within five days. He was asked if he was covered in respect of a pillion passenger, and replied that he did not know. Some days later defendant called at the Police-station and produced a certificate of insurance, and it was found that there was a condition to the effect that the policy did not cover use while carrying a passenger unless a side-car was attached to the motor-cycle. Defendant's reply was that he was only taking the young lady back to Glastonbury.
Defendant expressed regret, and said it was done on the spur of the moment.
He was fined 10s for the first offence, and 5s for each of the other two summonses.