THE SUNNYSIDE AFFAIR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3418, 23 August 1913, Page 5

THE SUNNYSIDE AFFAIR.

CHAPMAN BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT,

CHARGE REDUCED TO ONE OP ASSAULT. [HIBB ASSOCIATION TELEQSAIO CHRISTCHURCH, August 22. The Sunnyside Mental Hospital affair arising out of tho death at that institution of a patient named Chas. Thomas McMeekin came before the Supreme Court to-day whtlh Joseph Martin Chapman was charged upon two counts that at Christchurch on July 8, he did assault one Chas. Thomas McMeekin so as to cause him injuries which resulted in the death of McMeekin and did thereby commit the crime of manslaughter; and that at Christchurch on the same date, he being then an attendant at Sunnyside Mental Hospital, in which Cha.<j. Thomas McMeekin, a mentally defective person, was then residing, did strike and ill-treat McMeekin.

Prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr M. Donnelly, with him Mr A. T. Donnelly. Mr W. Stringer, K.C. (Crown Prosecutor) appeared for the Crown. The evidence for the Crown was similar to that given in the lower court. Mr Donnelly submitted that there was no evidence to go to the jury on tiie first count, as it had not been proved affirmatively that death had been accelerated.

Mr Stringer said that in view of the medical evidence he did not feel disposed to press the manslaughter charge. His Honor thought this would bo the safer course. He accordingly formally upheld Mr Donnelly’s contention, thus reducing the charge to one of assault.

Accused, who gave evidence, said that when he opened the door of the room McMeekin immediately rushed to the door and struck at him. Witness avoided the blow and closed, with him. They fell on the floor, witness falling on top of McMeekin. Witness got up and lifted McMeekin up. Witness had; his left arm round McMeekin’s neck and his right arm locked with McMeekin’s. Todd had hold of McMeekin’s left arm and Stevens had hold of his two legs. McMeekin was trying to kick Stevens. They put him on his bed and held him there till he cooled down. Stevens held his legs. Witness stood behind McMeekin, having hold of his right arm with witness’ left round liis neck. Todd had hold of his left arm. After McMeekin had cooled down Stevens put blankets over his legs and then the three went out of the room. None of the three of them struck or kicked McMeekin. He denied that from start to finish he had ever struck or ill-treated McMeekin. He denied having made the various statements alleged by witnesses for the Crown to have been uttered by him. He had occasion to report Duckworth for leaving beds in a filthy state in the morning. He had cautioned Todd several times for t-iie way in which he put old men to bedHe had reported Sykes. To Mr Stringer : Stevens’ statement that he had not gone into the room with witness and Todd was a deliberate lie. He also denied having said to Stevens what Stevens alleged lie had. He averred that Todd. Stevens, Coakley, Sykes, and Duckworth (Crown witnesses) had been deliberatelv telling lies. He admitted having removed a leaf from the report book on account of a statement Coakley made to him. He had therefore put in a report stating liis own troubles. To His Honor: He had been on bad terms with these men. They had a down on him. . The hearing lasted till evening and will be resumed to-morrow.