CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 275, 9 August 1918, Page 6

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER

. VERDICT OP NOT GUILTY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, August 8. At tho Supreme Court James Charles • Thomson was charged witli committing manslaughter on June 29 by striking Edward Bruce and causing, his death. The Crown Prosecutor, in opening tho case, said tho occurrence took place outaido the Prince of Wales Hotel'.' Accused struck deceased, who fell, striking his head on tho kerbiiig, and subsequently died. Accused had admitted striking ,the'deceased, who, it was alleged, had addressed an insulting remark to him. The Crown had not charged accused with murder, as malicious intent was not shown. Mr. Alpers, in outlining the case for the defence, said tho accused was a strong young man, 28 years' of- age, a slaughtermnn by trade, and was married and the father of five young children. Ho taught boxing as a means to augmen* his living, and was held in high esteem by his fellows. The accused was a ciean liver, and did not drink at all. The accused had been grossly insulted by deceased, who had addressed a foul remark to him that was the cause of the blow which had quite unintentionally had an unfortunate termination. Tho accused had resented the remarks made by the deceased, but they were repented more viciously, and deceased made a savage rush, and Thomson, knowing his work, had delivered a "left hook," which would in the ordinary way settle any argument without serious consequences. Thomson had made a mistake-in going into tho .hotel subsequently, but he had realised' that he was in a street row, and had endeavoured to avoid the consequences. Accused bitterly regretted the fatal termination. Accused gave evidence on , the lines of his counsel's' address. He stated that the deceased man did not strike him because he (witnesi) was too quick, perhaps.

The jury, after twenty minutes' retirement, returned a verdict of not guilty, and Thomson was discharged. .