HC Deb 07 December 1888 vol 331 cc1417-8
THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W.)

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, Whether the Attorney General for Ireland, having determined to enter a nolle prosequi upon the finding of a verdict of wilful murder by a Coroner's Jury against Police Constable Swindell, will send up a bill in the case to the Grand Jury at the Munster Winter Assizes?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

The Attorney General for Ireland states that he does not intend to send up a bill against the constable at the present Winter Assizes; that such a course would be most unusual, the proper and usual proceeding in such cases being to bring the accused before the magistrates, and have the depositions taken in his presence and have him committed for trial. This course the Attorney General will be prepared to take, should he consider there is evidence to justify him in doing so; but, having regard to the circumstances of the case and the proceedings at the inquest, he will not give directions until after a full investigation.