A YOUNG MAN'S DEATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 13979, 8 February 1909, Page 5

A YOUNG MAN'S DEATH.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. [BT TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchurch, Saturday. WHEN leaving the Cave Rock Hotel on January 20 a young man named Thomas Saunders received a blow behind the ear, and he died at the hospital yesterday. It appears that he was in the Cave Rock Hotel on the date mentioned, and when coming out he tripped over a dog belonging to Alex. Kiddey, which was lying in tho passage. He had just gained the road, way when he received a blow behind the ear, and fell in a dazed condition. He attempted to rise, but fell again, and it was some minutes before he recovered sufficiently to walk away from the hotel. Tho matter was reported to the police, with the result that on Wednesday last Alex. Kiddey appeared at the Police Court, charged with assaulting Saunders, and using bad language. Saunders, in the course of his evidence, related the above facts, and said as he was struck behind the ear he heard someone make use of an objectionable epithet. The blow was delivered from behind, and as it was dark, and he was rendered semiunconscious, he could not eay who struck him.

Kiddey admitted pushing Saunders, but said ho did not strike him, and witnesses substantiated this evidence, and the case was dismissed.

Since Saunders was assaulted ho' has been tho subject of epileptic fits. Ho took a very bad turn on Thursday, and was removed to the hospital, where he died.

An inquest was held this morning, and the jury after hearing evidence, including medical testimony, brought in the following verdict:—"That the deceased died from epilepsy, accelerated by a blow on the head struck by Alexander Kiddey at Sumner on January 20, 1909."

The Coroner: "That is equivalent to manslaughter." To the Detective: "You had better arrest this man and bring him up before me at the Court later on."

Kiddey was then taken into custody, and subsequently lie was charged with manslaughter. Mr. Leathern appeared for the accused, and on the application of the police he was remanded on bail until February 13.