Latest news with #AndrewJaydenMercer
RNZ News
4 days ago
- RNZ News
Andrew Mercer pleads guilty to manslaughter after partner's fall from trailer
Dunedin High and District Court Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon A Dunedin man accused of killing his partner who was critically injured after falling from a moving trailer has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Andrew Jayden Mercer appeared at the High Court at Dunedin on Friday, when two other charges were withdrawn. He also pleaded guilty to refusing a compulsory impairment test. He was released on bail ahead of his sentencing in December. Robert Douglas Ralston died in hospital more than two weeks after the fall on Brockville Road in late March. The summary of facts said it followed a heated argument. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
23-04-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Brockville trailer death charge upgraded to manslaughter
Brockville Road. Photo: Google Maps A Dunedin man has been charged with manslaughter after his partner died following a fall from a moving trailer. Andrew Jayden Mercer, 31, appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning having previously been charged with reckless driving causing injury to Robert Douglas Ralston. He was also charged with refusing to undergo a compulsory impairment test and breaching the Search and Surveillance Act. The victim was critically injured followed the March 29 incident and died in hospital last week. Today, a new charge of manslaughter was added and Mercer's case was transferred to the High Court. No pleas have been entered to the charges. At the time of the incident, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said police were called to Brockville Rd after reports of a pair arguing. Mercer allegedly got into a car, while Mr Ralston was in a trailer attached to its rear. Police said the victim fell onto the ground and suffered serious head injuries after the car accelerated suddenly. Mercer was released on bail to appear before the High Court next month.
