Doctor’s Evidence On Boy’s Injuries

Press, Volume C, Issue 29509, 10 May 1961, Page 11

Doctor’s Evidence On Boy’s Injuries

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, May 9. A description of injuries some of which he considered could have proved fatal to a six-year-old Maori boy at Matakana on or about January 28, was given by Dr. Francis John Cairns, pathologist, before Mr Justice Turner and a jury in the Supreme Court at Auckland today. He was giving evidence at the trial of Trig Johnson, aged 28, a farmhand, who with his seven-year-old son, Walter Himiona Johnson, is charged with the manslaughter of Trig William Johnson, aged six, on or about January 28. Trig Johnson is also charged that with intent to do grievous bodily harm to Trig William Johnson, he did cause actual bodily harm to him. Trig Johnson and his wife, Stella Raiha Johnson, aged 23. are jointly charged that between December 1, 1960. and January 26. 1961. at Matakana, being persons having the custody of a child under t.he age of' 14. they wilfully neglected or exposed Trig William Johnson in a manner likely to cause the child injury to his health. Mr G. D. Speight appears for the Crown. Johnson sen. is represented by Mr J. Hall, Stella Johnson by Mr B. F. K. Preddle, and Walter Johnson by Mr J. H. Wallace. Wounds Described In describing wounds he found on the deceased when he visited the Johnson home on January 29. Dr. Cairns said there were four splits on the scalp but only two were broken. The whole of the scalp showed bruising. There

was no fracture of the scalp or spine. There was a large clot over the whole of the brain and membranes of the brain and he considered it possible the child could have been walking around while bleeding of the brain was taking place. There was bruising around both eyes. Both arms were extensively bruised from shoulder to fingers and both knees, lower legs and feet showed almost continuous bruising. There was also bruising of both thighs. Dr. Cairns thought the bruising about the eyes. jaw. some on the chest and abdomen and superficial lacerations to the face could have been caused by blows with a fist. Wounds on the head were caused by a blunt instrument. He considered all the bruises were caused within 24 hours of death. There were at least four blows to the head with a blunt instrument but probably more. The fatal injuries were those to the head. Hotel Visits Three witnesses gave evidence of having been drinking with Trig Johnson and Stella Johnson at the Warkworth and Leigh Hotels on Saturday, January 28. The Johnsons left Leigh about 4 p.m. to go home and do the milking. The witnesses called to the Johnson home later for a party which had been arranged. Johnson was lying on his bed. The deceased child came to the back door when they arrived and his face was covered in blood. He appeared to be “dopey.” Later, when Johnson was asked what he had done to the child, he told the witnesses to mind their own business and there was a fight. One of the witnesses said he saw Mrs Johnson coming up the paddock and told her what had happened. She “went mad” and ordered him off the place. (The trial will continue tomorrow.)