Manslaughter charge sequel to fracas in Square

Press, 10 December 1983, Page 4

Manslaughter charge sequel to fracas in Square

As a result of a fracas in Cathedral Square on December 1 in which a man died a charge of manslaughter was laid against another man, aged 38, who appeared before Judge Hattaway in the District Court yesterday. Kevin John Dowling, a sickness beneficiary (Mr K. N. Hampton) was initially charged with assaulting Raymond John Robertson. The new charge alleges that by an unlawful act of striking Mr Robertson, Dowling killed him, thereby committing manslaughter. No pleas were entered to either charge. Dowling was remanded to February 2 for the taking of depositions. On the application of Mr Hampton, Dowling was allowed bail of $l5OO with a surety of the same amount. While on remand Dowling has been in custody at Sunnyside Hospital so that a pyschiatric report could be obtained. FOUR MONTHS JAIL An unemployed woman who, counsel said, wanted to be sent to prison because of her present insecurity in the community had her wish granted yesterday afternoon. Carla Mann, aged 19, unemployed, (Miss E. H. B. Thompson), was sent to prison for four months. She was also put on probation for 12 months. Mann had earlier been convicted on five charges of obtaining credit by fraud, three of theft, and a breach of probation. The fraud charges occurred through Mann and a youth, aged 16, staying in motels and leaving without paying for accommodation and meals.

Miss Thompson said that her client when questioned by police about the three offences admitted the others because “she wants to wipe

the slate clean.” DEPOSITIONS Trial by jury was elected by a man charged with breaking into, and out of a unit at the Blenheim Road Motor Inn, and with the possession of instruments by night on December 3. Jimmy Tuhikarama, aged 43, a carver (Mr D. H. Stringer) was remanded in custody to December 19 for the taking of depositions. Bail sought by Mr Stringers was opposed by Sergeant C. J. Shanahan. SEX OFFENCE A man, aged 18, convicted of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl, aged 14, was remanded at large to December 22 for a probation report and sentence. Darrell John Scott, aged 18, admitted the offence which took place about November 1. Sergeant Shanahan said that in the last two months a relationship had developed between the defendant and the complainant and as a result the girl later found she was pregnant. The matter was reported to the police. The pregnancy was terminated, said Sergeant Shanahan. The defendant had lost his employment. Mr B. Frampton said that his client had been “quite shattered” by what had happened and was now undergoing psychiatric treatment. As it was a serious offence which was liable to a substantial term of imprisonment the Judge said that he was calling for a probation report. ASSAULT CHARGE

Darryn Lindsay Reihana, aged 17, a shearer, charged with assaulting Dean John Sayes with intent to injure, was remanded on bail to December 19.

He also faces two charges of being found on licensed premises when under age. No pleas were entered.