CONSTABLE’S DEATH

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1938, Page 4

CONSTABLE’S DEATH

McElroy Acquitted ON CHARGE OF CAUSING IT. [Per Press Association. □ DUNEDIN, February 9. The trial of John Edward McElroy, on five charges, including one of manslaughter, arising out of a struggle at the Dunedin Police Station, when the accused was arrested for drunkenness, on Christmas Day, was concluded in the Supreme Court, before Mr Justice Kennedy. The happenings were alleged to have been responsible for tfare death of Constable James Butler, who assisted to place McElroy in a cell. After a retirement of four hours, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on the major charge, and on two other charges, and of guilty on the charge of assaulting Constable Butler, so as to cause actual bodily harm, and that of resisting a sergeant and other constables in the execution of their duty. The jury added a rider that the actual bodily harm inflicted on Constable Butler was in no way connected with his death. McElroy was remanded till tomorrow for sentence.