A 23-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter after the death of a 75-year-old man at Hutt Hospital earlier this month.
The older man sustained a brain injury during an altercation at the hospital on Friday, 27 December 2024. He was initially transported to Wellington Hospital for treatment before being returned to Hutt Hospital, where he passed away on Sunday, 19 January.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matin Todd confirmed an investigation into the incident led to the manslaughter charge. The accused was scheduled to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court today, Tuesday, 28 January.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the whānau of the deceased during this difficult time,” Detective Senior Sergeant Todd said.
As the matter is now before the courts, police have stated that no further comment will be made.