THE LAUNCESTON TRAGEDY.
A. VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER
LAUNCESTON, June 6.
The inquest on John Francis Manning, killed by John Hayes on Monday night, was concluded to-day. Hayes, who was in custody, charged with murder, made a lengthy statement, showing that drinking had been going on, and that his wife was intoxicated. He (Hayes) was retiring to bed when a man knocked at the door and asked admittance. Accused tried to prevent his wife opening the door by striking her with a piece of iron. On seeing the blood flowing he rushed out and struck Manning over the head, without any intention of seriously injuring him. He accused his wife of unfaithfulness, and said he had had occasion to leave her for some months for this reason, and also for her "carrying on" with Manning.
The medical evidence showed that deceased's skull was fractured from the top to the base, but that the immediate cause of death was suffocation, caused by vomited food choking the windpipe. Counsel for accused urged the plea of provocation, maintaining that Manning had come to accused's house for an immoral purpose. The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter, and Hayes was remanded to June 19.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1901, Page 3
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199THE LAUNCESTON TRAGEDY. Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1901, Page 3
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