New Britain herald., 1926-05-24
'DRUNKEST DRIVER
 FINED AND JAILED
Man With Family in Gar in
 Helpless Condition

Six cases of alleged violation of the motor vehicle laws were heard by Judge B. W. Alling in police court this morning and two others were continued. Prosecuting Attor- ney J. G. Woods presented the states cases.
 The case of Sebastian Plantimero of Bristol, charged with violation Of the motor vehicle law. was contin- ucd until Thursday morning. Judge W. r. Mangan appeared for him.
 Claim Driver Was Drunk
 Frank P. Smith, colored, aged 43, of 43 Webster street, New Haven, pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving an automobile while under the influence Of liquor on May ] $. Officer Edward Kicly testified that Smiths car struck the traffic sign at the corner of East Main and Main streets and smashed il. He did not stop his car until Supernu- mcrary Officer Joseph Curry hailed him in front of the Hotel York. Of- ficer Kiely testified Smith was "tho drunkcst man he ever saw driving an automobile" He and Officer Curry had to practically carry him to the police station.
 Sergeant Matthey Rival testified that Smith was staggering when brought into the police station and there was an odor Of liquor from him. In the sergeants opinion smith was unfit 10 drive an auto mobile. Detective Sergeant W. |. McCue testified that Smith staggered in the police station and there was an odor of liquor from him. He was in such condition that he should have been arrested for intoNication if he had been walking on the street.
 Smith testified this is the first time he was arrested for motor ve- hicle law violation in the F years he has been driving. He went 10 the baseball game al St. Mary's field and took two drinks out of strangers bottle. When he left the ball game he felt normal, but when he reached Main stree. he "went all to pieces" and did not see the traffic sign. After he struck 1t he pulled up 10 the curb and was thinking about getting someone to drive his car when Officer Curry spoke 10 him about paying for the damage to the traffic post.
 Af+orDa,- II,rr,, f, rroll;,.,,- .. .. A-,,. Haven said Smith must have been able 10 handle his car properly or he could not have made his way out of the ball grounds without an &C., cident. It was admitted that he took two drinks Of what he thought was liquor. He had his wife and family with him and naturally h. was solicitous for their safety as well as his own, the lawyer said. As soon as he realized he could no longer handle his car he did what anyone would have done. He stopped his car and would not have continued to drive, the lawyer claimed.
 Judge Alling imposed a fine of $100 and jail sentence of five days and set bonds for an appeal at $500
 He said he could not understand why Smith was going north on Main street if he was coming from St. Mary's fold. Those who drink pres cnt day liquor and drive cars must expect 10 get into trouble. he said. Attorney Tollivor asked for suspnn- sion of the jail sentence hut Judge AllinE would not do so.
 Automobile drivers must stop drinking or stop driving. hc remark od. Fines do not seem to impress them. so they must go 10 jail, Judge AllinE said. Smith took au appeal.
 Reckless Driving Charged. Emilio Rruni, aged 29. Of 60 Ferry 1 street, MiddIetown. pleaded not guilty 10 charges of reckless driving and driving an automobile with i'm proper brakes. The case was contin- ued until Thursday morning. Attor- ncy Alfred Levitt will represent him.
 Gives Other Drivers q Scare.
 Ecntino Di B"rardino, aged 4, Of