SUPREME COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 May 1918, Page 8

SUPREME COURT.

A MANSLAUGHTER CASE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Last Night. At the Supreme Court to-day, before the Chief Justice, a middle-aged, man, named John Robertson, was charged with the manslaughter of Peter Larsen, at Ivarioi, on February 23. Accused and deceased were working at a timber camp with a number of other men, some of whom brought a large quantity of liquor into the camp. About midnight, prisoner was awakened, and, after reflated urging, joined the party. Drinking and card-playing followed, witli tha result that a quarrel was started. Deceased claimed that accused cheated, and struck him until another man intervened. The following morning accused was seen going towards deceased's tent carrying a pick-head, and deceased was afterwards found in a dying condition, suffering from severe injuries. Evidence was given that deceased was under the influence of liquor when the quarrel took place. Accused said he had no recollection what took place after he was assaulted. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Sentence was deferredWanganui, May 29. In the Supreme Court, the jury disthe case o{ William Fox, who was charged with an attempted serious offence, and a new trial was orderedThe jury acquitted Charles Rangi Phillips on a charge of burglary at Waitotara. The charge of manslaughter against John Robertson is proceeding. The charge is the outcome of the death of Peter Larsen, at Karioi, in February last. The evidence is similar to that given in the lower court. ,