DANGEROUS WEAPON

Evening Star, Issue 25563, 15 August 1945, Page 4

DANGEROUS WEAPON

MISHANDLING CHARGE

(P.A.) GISBORNE, August 15. Reversing his plea during trial on a charge of causing bodily harm in circumstances in which, -if death had resulted, lie would have been guilty -of manslaughter, Peter Ngaera was fined £2O by Mr Justice Finlay dn the Supreme Court. The charge arose from an accident at Kaiti Freezing Works in June, when the humane killer used for stunning cattle was discharged in such a manner that severe head injuries were inflicted oh one of' the accused’s workmates. It was stated that the victim had now almost fully recovered from his skull injuries. When defence counsel opened the case, Mr Justice Finlay, pointed out that lie admitted the facts which proved the offence with which Ngaera was charged. It was clear,that there was no criminal intent, but it could not bo gainsaid that accused had been • in charge of a dangerous weapon, and • that he had handled it with less than the proper care which was his responsibility. > . At the judge’s suggestion counsel ( conferred with accused, and announced withdrawal of the plea of not guilty, and substitution of the plea of guilty.