CONSTABLE’S DEATH

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 January 1938, Page 4

CONSTABLE’S DEATH

DRUNKEN MAN ARRESTED [per press association.] DUNEDIN, January 2. The death occurred at. the Public Hospital this morning of Constable James Butler, who, according to evidence given by the police, was the victim of an assault by a drunken prisoner at the Central Police Station on Christmas Day.

An inquest was opened at the hospital early in the afternoon before Mr. IL W. Bundle. S.M., and after evidence of identification had been given by Constable W. A. Bird, was adjourned sine die. A post-mortem examination will probably be made to-night.

On Tuesday. John Edward McElroy was charged in the Magistrate's Court before Mr. J. ('. Willis. J.P.. and Mr. W. Cooper, J.P., with assaulting Con stable Butler in the execution of his duty, with drunkenness and with damaging a cell utensil. Oii the last t wo charges McElroy was found guilty and fined, but. the Bench did not fee; inclined to deal with the assault charge until the extent of Constable Butler's injuries were ascertained. The accused was therefore remanded until January 5.

He appeared again on Friday for a re-hearing of the drunkenness charge, and the Justices of the Peace confirmed the imposition of a fine on condition that the medical expenses, payment, of which had been ordered at the previous hearing without adequate authority, should be found by the defendant.

According to evidence offered by the police at the first hearing, McElroy catne to the Central Police Station on Christmas Day. complaining that he had been assaulted, but as he was then drunk the constable on duty told him to return when sober. McElroy re-appeared an hour later and became so violent and abusive that the constable decided to arrest him. It had taken four men to bold him down while he was being searched. and w-fien he was being carried down to ■he cells he kicked Constable Butler twice over the kidneys, the injuries necessitating the constable’s removal to hospital. Constable Butler joined the Police Force in 1932 and served for a time in Christchurch before being transferred to Dunedin in December, 1933. He was 33 and single. His home is in Waipukurau, Hawke’s Bay.