INSANE MAN’S LEAP TO DEATH

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 99, 21 January 1936, Page 10

INSANE MAN’S LEAP TO DEATH

Comment By Coroner

NO BLAME ATTACHABLE

TO ANYONE

Dominion Special Service

Palmerston North, Jaujiary 20.

"I am of tlie opinion that in all cases of private committals to a mental hospital, where police aid is invoked, I lie escorting constable should be made fully acquainted with all particulars regarding tlie meatal condition of tlie patient in oittler that tlie proper precautions may be taken for Hie patient’s safely, in this particular case the behaviour of tlie patient en route from Wanganui was such as to impress the constable that it was just the ordinary case of a quiet maniac being conveyed to tlie asylum. Had be known of tlie patient’s suicidal tendencies and that lie bad previously attempted to take liis own life, the constable would have bad tlie patient handcuffed to him or would have had the door of the car locked. I find that there was no blame attachable to anyone concerned in this regrettable aff a i i-.-’

These were the remarks of the coroner, Mr. A. J. Graham, J.P., at the conclusion this morning of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Laurence Frederick MeNie, aged 25, of Ractihi, who jumped to his deatli in front of a .motor-car near Tiakitahuna on Saturday when-being con l -' veyed under escort to the Porirua Mental Hospital. Quiet During Journey. Evidence was given by the patient’s fattier that bis son bad shown definite suicidal tendencies. The eomiuittal was a private one. but at liis request tlie police had provided an escort. When tlie car was a.bout nine miles front Palmerston North tlie door Hew open and liis son jumped out without warning. He was struck by a ear going in tlie opposite direction and idled instantly. Witness said be was under the impression that Hie constable knew the case was suicidal, but it did not occur to him to warn tlie constable as his sou was so quiet during the journey.

Evidence was given by tlie constable and by Mr. D. JI. Mitchel. F.R.Cj.S., the driver of tlie other car. The former said that had he knowh of the patient’s suicidal tendencies lie would have locked the door or handcuffed the patient to him. Tn delivering a verdict that MeNie had been accidentally killed when lie hurled himself while insane from a moving car in front of :.n oncoming car. the coroner said it seemed to him a very determined ease of -uieiile. The patient bad apparently watched the approach of tiie other car and then suddenly burled himself from the vehicle in which he was travelling