HC Deb 09 August 1889 vol 339 cc908-9
MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is true that a constable of the X Division of the Metropolitan Police has just been dismissed the service, on the ground that he was "grievously suspected of giving false evidence;" and, whether it was upon the evidence of this constable that a costermonger named Thomas Murphy (who upon his trial set up an alibi) was in December last convicted and sent into penal servitude; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

MR. MATTHEWS

A constable of the X Division has been dismissed from the service on the ground that he had made false statements with reference to the discharge of his duties as a police officer, and with reference to immoral conduct discreditable to the force; and also on the ground of grave suspicion attaching to the truth of a charge made by him. The case against Murphy rested principally on the evidence of this constable, and after full consideration and consultation with the learned Judge I have thought it right to release Murphy on license.