MAN POISONED BY ALCOHOL DIES IN GAOL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18393, 20 February 1928, Page 4

MAN POISONED BY ALCOHOL DIES IN GAOL.

HAD DRINKING BOUTS LASTING FOR WEEK. That Vernon Richard Pike- died from alcoholic poisoning while a prisoner in the Paparoa Gaol was the verdict returned by the Coroner (Mr E. D. Mosley) at the resumed inquest held this morning. Pike, who was a young man, was arrested on February 9 for being helplessly drunk. He was suffering from the “D.T.’s” and was removed the following day to the Paparua Gaol for medical treatment. He died in gaol. Detective L. Studholme gave evidence of arresting deceased in Manchester Stfeet at 11 a.m. on February 9. Constable John Myers said that when Pike was brought to the station lie put him in a cell. Pike appeared to be suffering from the after-effects of a drinking bout. At 12.45 p.m. witness gave deceased his dinner, the usual prison ration, which Pike ate. He aid not complain of feeling ill. In reply to Sergeant Almond, witness said that he considered Pike's was a mild case. Constable A. 11. Abernethy said that he came on duty as assistant watchhouse keeper at 1 p.m. on February 9. Witness asked Pike how he was feeling and he replied that he was all right. At 5 p.m. witness took the prisoner a mug of tea and some bread and butter, and at that time noticed that his mental state was worse. In Padded Cell. Later, Sergeants Macgregor and Almond saw Pike, and he was removed to the padded cell, on account of his meptaj condition. Witness visited Pi\i:e fl-very hatftiour',, tyid on each occasion he told witness that he was all right. Constable Myers said that, he went .off duty at 9 p.m.. and came on again at five o’clock next morning. He took Pike a cup of tea. and found him walking round his cell. Deceased refused to sit down. Witness considered Pike an ordinary case of “ D.T.’s.” Constable L. Brazier said that he was present at the watchhouse, when deceased was brought in. Witness later saw him in the padded cell when 1 Sergeant Almond conversed with him. Pike made no complaint of feeling unwell. He was not sent to Court that morning, and at 11.30 a.m. was escorted to Paparoa Gaol. Deceased did not appear to be in an exhausted state or need the immediate attention of the doctor, although it was obvious that he

required treatment to eradicate the effects of the liquor. Had Drinking Bout 3. Sergeant T. H. Macgregor said that he saw deceased on February 2, when he came to the station to report that he had been robbed. He was then under the influence of liquor, and told witness that he had been on a drinking bout for a week, but was going to Sydney for a holiday. Witness then saw Pike at 6 p.m. on February 9, and said to him, “ Are you still on the drink?” He replied, “Not so much drink as worry.” He also told witness that he was all right. The Coroner said that when deceased arrived at Paparua he was prescribed for by the doctor. A post-mortem revealed that Pike was suffering from acute congestion of the brain and lungs, and death was due to alcoholic poisoning. He could see no reason to complain about the treatment of the prisoner by the police. Deceased was attended by experienced officers, and well cared for. A formal verdict was then brought in, as above.