Sequel To Fatal Boardinghouse Fight

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1939, Page 7

Sequel To Fatal Boardinghouse Fight

[Per Press Association. Copyright ,l WELLINGTON, This Day. A carpenter, Daniel John Mclntyre, aged 39, was charged in the Wellington Police Court yesterday with unlawfully killing Thomas Egan, thereby committing manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial. A further charge of assault so as to cause actual bodily harm was withdrawn by the police. Robert Zimala gave evidence of a dispute in a boardinghouse bedroom, which was followed by Mclntyre striking Egan .on the chin and nose with his fist.

Alleged Threat.

Egan'went to a bathroom to wash off the blood, and on his return told Mclntyre that he would get even with him, even if it took 20 years. He also ordered Mclntyre into the street, Mclntyre slapped Egan in the face, and then hit him in the eye, Egan falling to the floor, with his head against the fireplace. To Mr Hardie Boys, counsel for McIntyre, witness said that when Egan ordered Mclntyre out it was with the object of fighting him, but Mclntyre said: “This place will do me.” Egan had had a fight with another man in the bedroom about four months previously.

Medical evidence was that Egan’s left eye was ruptured on the inner side and had to be removed.

Two days later he showed signs of meningitis, and ultimately died from that disease. Bail was allowed at £250,