MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 220, 11 June 1924, Page 9

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE

INJURED MAN FOUND ON FOOTPATH (BY Telegraph—Press association.) Auckland, June 10. Tho death of Albert Neary on June 4 from injuries allegedly caused by William Keir, was the subject of an inquest by Mr. McKean, S.M., today. Deceased’s widow said she resided with her husband in rooms rented from William Keir. When they went home nt 5.30 p.m. on June 2, the Keir family said they could not enter. Mr. Keir and deceased had a few words, and Keir knocked her husband down. Deceased got up .and then Keir hit him again. Ho fell and his head struck the gutter. Constable Orr deposed that he found deceased lying on tho footpath and conveyed him to the police station, and thonce to the hospital. Witness produced a statement made by Keir in which he asserted that Neary was drunk and abused his sister. Keir said he put Neary outside and locked the door. Later Neary returned, still drunk, and he went to prevent Mr. and Mrs. Neary entering by the window, when Neary struck him with a walking stick. He pushed Neary away and he fell into the gutter. Keir denied having struck Neary on either occasion.

Uie Coroner found that death was caused by fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain caused by a fall following a blow struck by William Keir. Death was accelerated by the fall.

Keir subsequently' was brought before the Magistrate’s Court and committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter.