MANSLAUGHTER CASE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20993, 21 December 1939, Page 9

MANSLAUGHTER CASE

CARPENTER FOR TRIAL EVIDENCE OF DISPUTE DEATH FROM MENINGITIS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday A carpenter, Daniel John Mclntyre, aged 39, was charged in the Wellington Police Court to-day with unlawfully killing Thomas Egan, thereby committing manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial. A further charge of assault so as to cause actual bodily harm was withdrawn by the police. Robert Zimala gave evidence of a dispute in a boarding-house bedroom, which was followed by Mclntyre striking Egan on the chin and nose with his fist. Egan went to a bath room to wash off the blood and on his return told accused that he would get even with him, even if it took 20 years. He also ordered accused into the street. Accused slapped Egan in the face and then hit him in the eye, deceased falling to the floor, with his head against the fireplace.

To Mr Hardie Boys, counsel for accused, witness said that when Egan ordered Mclntyre out it was with the object of fighting him, but Mclntyre said: “This place will do me.” Egan had had a fight with another man in the bedroom about four months previously. Medical evidence was that deceased’s left eye was ruptured on the inner side and had to be removed. Two days later deceased showed signs of meningitis and ultimately died from that disease. Bail was allowed at £250.