§ MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe), asked the Chief Secretary 1363 to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, on Monday, 25th February, at Ennis, Mr. Cecil Roche, R. M., sentenced Thomas Bermingham to two sentences of six months each, for assaults on two officers of the law occurring at the same time, during the struggle leading to his eviction.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I am informed that Thomas Bermingham has been sentenced at Ennis to a term of six months' imprisonment for violently resisting the sheriff in the execution of his duty, and to a second term of six months for violently assaulting a police-constable on the same occasion. The man has appealed.
§ MR. J. ELLISIs the House to understand that if a man comes in collision with a dozen persons, and endeavours to defend himself and his property, he may be sent to prison for six years?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot answer that question, but I believe that under the Act of 1882 there was a case in which a man got cumulative im-imprisonment amounting to one year for sending threatening letters.