A PUZZLING VERDICT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLV, Issue 65, 17 March 1911, Page 5

A PUZZLING VERDICT.

RESERVED FOR THE COURT OF

APPEAL

[rEESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, Mar«h 17. ,In the charge of manslaughter against Ernest Dawe, a tram .motoiv man, arising out of the , death of Thomas Albert Thomson, killed by a moving oar bumping- a standing car in Hobson Street on November 29th, the jury found the accused guilty of neglect of duty, caused. by extenuating circumstances, but not of gross neglect, and strongly recommended him to mercy. In> reply to Judge Cooper the foreman of the jury said the jury were not unanimous in regard to the extenuating circumstances. By the consent of the Crown Prosecutor and counsel for the prisoner the finding was accepted and reserved by his Honor for the consideration of the Court of Appeal, as to whether it amounts to a verdict of guilty or acquittal, or whether a new trial should be ordered.

Accused was admitted to Bail to appear at the next criminal sittings.