SEQUEL TO STREET ROW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16924, 9 August 1918, Page 4

SEQUEL TO STREET ROW.

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER ACCUSED MaN ACQUITTED. [BT TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION'.] CffRISTCHURCH. TJranday. The charge against James Charles Thompson, of committing manslaughter by striking Edward Bruce on June 29, and causing his death, was dismissed at the Supreme Court to-day. • The Crown Prosecutor said the occurrence took place outside the Prince of Wales Hottl, where the accused struck Bruce, who fell, striking his head on the kerbing, and subsequently died. Thompson had admitted striking deceased, who, it was alleged, had addressed an insulting remark to him. The Crown had not made a charge of murder, as malicious intent was not shown.

Mr. Alpers, in outlining the case for the defence, said that the accused was a strong young fellow, 28 years of age, a slaughterman by trade, was married, and was the father of five young children. Ho taught boxing as a means of augmenting his living, and was held in high esteem by his fellows. Accused was a clean liver, and did not drink at all. On the night of the occurrence he had been grossly insulted by deceased, who had addressed a foul remark to him. That was the cause of the blow, which had quite unintentionally had an unfortunate sequel. Bruce had made a savage rush, and Thompson, knowing his work, had delivered a blow which, in the ordinary way, would have settled any argument without serious consequences. Thompson had made a mistake in going into the hotel subsequently, but he had realised that he was in a street low. and had endeavoured to avoid the consequences. He regretted bitterly the fatal termination of the affair. The jury, after a retirement of 20 minutes, returned a verdict of not guilty,' and Thompson was discharged.