ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11610, 9 August 1918, Page 5

ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER.

VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY. Per Press Association Christchurch, August 8. The charge of mvmslaugtheir against James Charßs Thomson iit connection with the death of Edward Bruce, who died as the result of a fall following on a blow, commenced at the Supreme Court today. Mr Alpers, in outlining the case for the defence, said the accused was a strong 'young and 28 years of age, a slaughterman by trade, and was married and the father of five young children Tie taught boxing as a means to augment his living, and was held in high esteem by his fellows. The accused was a clean liver, ana did not drink at nil, Accused had been grossly insulted by the deceased, who had addressed a. foul remark to him. “This wus tha cause of the blow, which hud, quite unintentionally had an unfortunate termination. Accused ; hnd resented, the remarks made by the deceased, but they were repented more viciously, and the deceased made a savage rush. Thomson, knowing his work, had delivered a “left hook,’’ which would in the ordinary way settle any argument without serious consequences. Thomson had made a mistake in going into the hotel subsequently, but ho had realised that he was iu a street row, and had endeavoured to avoid the consequences. Accused bitterly regretted the fatal termination. | Accused gave evidence on the lines of his counsel’s address. He stated that the deceased man did not strike him because he (witness) was too quick, perhaps. The jury, after twenty retirement, returned a verdit of “Not guilty. ’’ Thomson was discharged.