THREE MONTHS’ JAIL

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 119, 13 February 1941, Page 9

THREE MONTHS’ JAIL

Penalty For Manslaughter

THE MANUNUI SHOOTING

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) HAMILTON, February 12.

Charles Harold Longley, who was found guilty in the Supreme Court last week of manslaughter, through the negligent handling of a firearm at Alanunur on September 22, was sentenced by Mr. Justice Smith today to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Longley was charged with the murder of Jeremiah O’Sullivan, but the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter through negligent handling of a firearm, with a recommendation to mercy on account of the prisoner’s health at the time of the offence. Pleading for leniency, his counsel, Air. W. J. King, said Longley had been of good character prior to the offence, with a harmonious family life. He had been in solitary confinement since September 22.

His Honour said that he must adopt the view taken by the jury, that. Longley did not intend to kill O'Sullivan, but to frighten him. He had also to take into consideration the jury’s recommendation to mercy, and the fact that Longley had been in solitary confinement for the past four months.