Jason Karl BlacklerA Dunedin man charged with murder has had the charge against him dropped and will instead go to trial accused of manslaughter. Jason Karl Blackler (47) appeared by audio-visual link in the High Court at Dunedin this morning where Crown prosecutor Robin Bates said they would not pursue the most serious charge. Charges of manslaughter and an alternative of wounding with intent to injure were installed in its place. The incident led to scene examinations at two separate Dunedin addresses, police said at the time. Blackler pleaded not guilty to murder at his first appearance in the High Court and has continued to deny the allegations.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 17, 2017 22:52 UTC