Fracas on the Ionic

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XV, Issue 215, 10 December 1925, Page 5

Fracas on the Ionic

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. SULLIVAN COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. Auckland, Dec. 10. Phillip Michael Sullivan, aged 19, a trimmer, was charged with manslaughter arising out of the death of another trimmer after a fracas on the steamer lonic on Monday night. Francis Roberts, fifth engineer, in evidence, said that the accused’s general behaviour was good. John William Vaine, fourth officer, said that when the deceased was brought to witness for attention he appeared to have been fighting. He had a wound on the right eye. The deceased was fairly sober, although he showed signs of having taken liquor. Later he was told that Kelly was dead. Witness saw nothing of the fight. The accused was w r ell behaved on ship. Harry Horey, a fireman, said that he saw the deceased at 5 p.m. on Monday in the seamen’s quarters. He showed signs of having had liquor. An hour later he saw two men fighting. On the top of the deck for about 10 or 15 minutes. Both had their coats off. He saw Kelly carried to the doctor’s room. There were one or two clinches during the fight, and the crew separated the men. The contest was an even one. No weapons were used. Witness did not hear any insulting words used by the deceased to the accused. There were two fights going on at the same time, and no officers -were about. The coroner: A disgraceful state of affairs.

dames Charles Blackmore said that Kelly called Sullivan an English . Kelly hit Sullivan first and the latter retaliated. Another witness said that tho men were calling each other a certain name.

The chief detective produced a statement made by the accused, who said: “I had to defend myself. I never intended to kill him in the fight. That’s what drink brings on us.” Dr. Murray described the deceased’s injuries. He said tho base of the brain was clotted with blood. There was no fracture of the skull. He could not detect any sign of drink. Death was caused by haemorrhage of the brain caused bv a fall or blow on the left side of the head. The Coroner found that death was caused by haemorrhage of tlie brain caused by a blow or fall whilst fighting with'Phillip Michael Sullivan Sullivan was committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter.