HC Deb 03 April 1884 vol 286 cc1501-3
MR. LEAMY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is the fact that a man named James Commins was sentenced to fine or imprisonment, at Tramore Petty Sessions, on the 10th March, for allowing sheep to trespass on the public road; whether he asked for time to pay the fine and was refused, was imprisoned on the 11th, on the 12th was found attempting to climb the cell walls and talking to himself about his sheep which, in consequence of his imprisonment, were left on the road without any person to care for them; whether he was thereupon treated as a lunatic, and put into a strait jacket; whether having burst same on following day he was strapped and tied down, and was subjected to this treatment until the 24th instant; whether he was so bad on this day that warders were ordered to visit him every two hours; whether, on being visited at six o'clock on the following morning, he was found lying uncovered; whether, on being visited again at half-past seven, he was dead; whether, at the inquest, the prison doctor said deceased died of heart disease; whether two other doctors swore he died of congestion of the lungs; and, if, under these circumstances, the Government will order an independent inquiry on oath?

MR. TREVELYAN

James Commins was convicted on the 25th February for allowing cattle to wander on the public road. There were nine cases against him, and he was ordered to pay a fine of 5s., or in default to be imprisoned for 48 hours. It is not true that his application for time to pay the fine was refused. It was granted. Subsequently he refused to pay, and warrants were executed on the 7th March. Farmers of the locality had frequently complained to the police of the injuries to their crops, by this man's cattle being persistently allowed to wander on the public road. With regard to the more serious part of the hon. Member's Question. I cannot at present say anything, as an Inspector of the Local Government Board has been sent to hold a sworn inquiry into the whole circumstances.

MR. SEXTON

asked whether the Government would order the body of this unfortunate man to be exhumed, in order that they might have an opinion as to whether he died from heart disease or from congestion of the lungs, brought on by exposure?

MR. TREVELYAN

said, that if hon. Members would communicate to him all these particulars, he would send them to the Local Government Board.

MR. GRAY

asked whether the inquiry would be public?

[No reply.]

MR. GRAY

said, he would put the Question on another day.