HC Deb 25 January 1886 vol 302 cc312-3
MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON

asked, Whether it is true, as stated on the occasion of a deputation to Lord Salisbury, that a boycotted woman in Ireland was held clown by her neighbours, while a dog gnawed her legs; and, if true, whether any persons have been arrested for the outrage?

SIR WILLIAM HART DYKE

I will answer this Question, at the request of my right hon. Friend (Mr. W. H. Smith). The statement in question appears to be based upon the following evidence which was given by a "Boycotted" man named Donoghue, in a case of assault upon his wife and child by a neighbour named Mrs. Sullivan. The case occurred in the Mill Street district in County Cork— Heard Mrs. Sullivan call the names. I left my spade and came down. Saw my wife down, Mrs. Sullivan's son holding her, and she fisting her with a stone. Saw the dog tearing my wife's legs. The dog ran away. My wife lifeless against the ditch. Went to the police. Had to call in Dr. Leader. He has been attending my wife and son. She has not been able to walk since. Mrs. Donoghue swore that "the dog was set at her." The magistrates imposed a sentence of two months' imprisonment on Mrs. Sullivan for each assault.

MR. HEALY

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as a matter of fact, this case, which was one of assault arising out of a dispute between two women, was not amicably settled out of Court and the sentence of two months' imprisonment withdrawn?

SIR WILLIAM HAET DYKE

said, that he must ask the hon. and learned Member to give Notice of his Question.

MR. HEALY

gave Notice that he would repeat his Question on an early day.