Man pleads guilty to manslaughter

File photo / NZH

A 23-year-old Stratford man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Wellington man Michael Charles Drew in September.

Mr Drew, 52, was hospitalised in a serious condition following an assault in Tasman Street, Mount Cook, on September 11, but never regained consciousness.

He died in hospital four days later and police then launched a homicide inquiry.

Officer in charge of the investigation Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Miller said the Stratford man appeared in New Plymouth District Court this morning charged with assault.

This charge was withdrawn and a charge of manslaughter was laid and he entered a guilty plea.

The man has interim name suppression.

He was remanded on bail to appear for sentencing in the High Court at Wellington on December 14.

- NZPA