MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18396, 11 May 1923, Page 9

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE

SEQUEL TO MOTOR FATALITY.

TWO MEN REMANDED.

DEATH OF, MRS. SHARPLES

As the result of a motor-car accident which occurred in Upper Queen Street on Tuesday evening, two men, Sydney Murphy and Thomas Lawrence McQuoid, were charged in the Police Court yesterday before Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., with manslaughter. The circumstances were that Mrs. Bessie Sharpies, a widow, aged 55. residing at 446, Upper QueeL. Street, was knocked down by a motor-car alleged to have been driven by the accused. She was admitted to the hos pital, but died on Wednesday evening. The original charge against. the accused was that of having caused actual bodily harm, but owing to the death of Mrs. Sharpies, a charge of manslaughter was substituted. A remand for a week was granted. Bail was fixed at £500 in each case. This was forthcoming . yesterday afternoon.

OPENING OF THE INQUEST.

FORMAL EVIDENCE TAKEN.

An inquest into the death of Mrs. Sharpies was opened vesterdav before the coroner, Mr. J. E. Wilson, *S.M. Only formal evidence was' taken. The inquest will be resumed when the manslaughter charges against two men alleged to have been in the motor-car are proceeded with in the Police Court. Mr. Poynton will sit as magistrate and Mr. Wilson as coroner.