SUICIDE IN POLICE CELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18018, 17 February 1922, Page 7

SUICIDE IN POLICE CELL.

WOULD NOT GO TO ROTO ROA.

MAN STRANGLES HIMSELF. The death of a man, Alfred Craig Hanson, aged 63, of Westport, in a padded cell at the city police station was the subject of an inquest, held by Mr. VV. R. McKean, 8.M., yesterday. Constable R. Allan stated that he had arrived by the Main Trunk express on Wednesday morning with deceased, who bad been ordered to be detained at Roto Roa Island for two years. During the journey be did not seem to understand where he was going, but on arrival at the Auckland railway station tried to jump through a window, saying he was not going back "there" on any account. He had twice previously been on Roto Roa having been released jnst before Christmas. At the police station he was placed in th e upstairß cell, but as he knocked his head against the wall he was immediately removed to the padded cell. He was stripped of bootlaces, braces, and handkerchief, being left with only his coat, trousers, shirt and boots on. Witr ness then went to the watch-house, returning to the cell in about 20 minutes. 4a he could get no answer the cell was opened and deceased was found lying on the floor face downwards. Witness found two pieces of shirt tied round deceased's throat. He immediately took them off and Sergeant Dempsey tried to revive deceased. Deceased had a wife and four children. . Constable McKenzie and Constable Moore, watch-house keeper, gave corroborative evidence. Dr. C. H. Tewsley stated that deceased was dead when witness arrived at the cell. He had the appearance of having died from asphyxia. Deceased being a chronic alcoholic it was almost certain the heart muscles would have degenerated and this would be a feature in bringing about rapid failure of the heart under conditions of asphyxia. The coroner returned a verdict of suicide by strangulation.