Cars in court....

In the past contributions from readers were a welcome support for this item, and so they continue to be. For example, a cutting I have been sent from the Hereford Times tells of a book by Vera Hadley which traces the history of the Herefordshire Constabulary from its formation in 1857 until it was merged with West Mercia Police in 1967. One item the paper described was what was possibly the first drunk driver case.

In the summer of 1904 the Duke of Connaught was being driven towards Brecon in his Argyll by his chauffeur where he was to review the troops, when near Winforton another car, its driver “under the influence”, ran into the Argyll head-on and, badly damaged, was projected across the road. Its Reg No was FY 40, so its make should be identifiable. The accident was dealt with by PC William Hadley and the case was heard by the Bredwardine Magistrates.