HC Deb 14 March 1881 vol 259 cc909-10
THE O'DONOGHUE (for Mr. MARUM)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to a statement appearing in a local paper, that during the last month a patrol of three subconstables were sent from the police barrack of Windgap, in the county of Kilkenny; that the men, instead of going on patrol as directed, retired to a public-house in the locality, and commenced to drink and play at cards; that a row subsequently ensued, when a sub-constable struck a comrade with a tumbler, split his upper lip, knocked out two of his teeth, and fractured the jawbone; that they attempted to shoot one another in the house, and also when they got out; that the constable who struck the first blow was subsequently placed under arrest and removed to Callan; and that the men, when sent on patrol, were in the habit for some time past of resorting to this publichouse; and, whether he will cause inquiries to be instituted into the matter, to prevent repetition of such conduct?

MR. CHARLES LEWIS

also wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman, If the publican has not been guilty of a gross breach of the law in allowing the police to remain in his house under such circumstances?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

Sir, I have made inquiry into the matter, and I regret to find that it is one of the very rare—almost the only—case since I have been in my present position that has come to my knowledge where members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been shown to be guilty of gross misconduct. The facts, however, are not quite so bad as they are represented. It was after the men had returned from the performance of their patrol duty that the occurrence took place; no attempt was made by the sub-constables to use their firearms; and I can also give a distinct denial to the allegation that the police when on patrol duty were in the habit of resorting to this public-house. This appears to have been an exceptional case; but though this may be some palliation, yet no excuse can be offered for their conduct. However, a stringent inquiry has been undertaken by the Inspector General into the circumstances of the case, in order that it may be seen what steps should be taken in the matter. In reply to the Question of the hon. Member for Londonderry, I have to say that the publican, as well as the sub-constables, was brought before the magistrate and fined for a breach of the Licensing Act.