mark61
04-09-06, 18:20
A Divine original topic :hihi:
NZ armless driver charges dropped
The police said the man could drive a car safely
New Zealand police have dropped charges of dangerous driving against a man with no arms who was caught speeding.
Colin Smith, 31, was stopped for driving at 121 km/h (75 mph) near the North Island city of Tauranga in March.
Mr Smith, who did not have a licence, was using one foot to steer and the other to operate the pedals.
He paid an on-the-spot speeding fine of NZ$170 (£60), but police in Tauranga have now decided to withdraw the dangerous driving charge.
The case has attracted considerable attention in New Zealand and a large media contingent turned out to see Mr Smith attend court in Tauranga.
But police withdrew the charges, saying they accepted Mr Smith could drive a car safely using his feet.
Mr Smith had now obtained a learner's licence and could drive an automatic car with power steering, prosecutor Sgt Sean Brennan told the court.
"The police believe that in the interests of public safety this matter has been resolved," he said.
Mr Smith did not make any comment after the hearing. But when he was stopped by police in March, he reportedly told them he had been driving for years.
NZ armless driver charges dropped
The police said the man could drive a car safely
New Zealand police have dropped charges of dangerous driving against a man with no arms who was caught speeding.
Colin Smith, 31, was stopped for driving at 121 km/h (75 mph) near the North Island city of Tauranga in March.
Mr Smith, who did not have a licence, was using one foot to steer and the other to operate the pedals.
He paid an on-the-spot speeding fine of NZ$170 (£60), but police in Tauranga have now decided to withdraw the dangerous driving charge.
The case has attracted considerable attention in New Zealand and a large media contingent turned out to see Mr Smith attend court in Tauranga.
But police withdrew the charges, saying they accepted Mr Smith could drive a car safely using his feet.
Mr Smith had now obtained a learner's licence and could drive an automatic car with power steering, prosecutor Sgt Sean Brennan told the court.
"The police believe that in the interests of public safety this matter has been resolved," he said.
Mr Smith did not make any comment after the hearing. But when he was stopped by police in March, he reportedly told them he had been driving for years.