MR. SULLIVANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether it is true that the Government have released from punishment Ann Bradley, convicted of and sentenced to fourteen years' penal servitude for an attempt to murder an aged lady, Miss Emily Geoghagan, at Morehampton Road, Dublin, in 1875, that attempt having been made with more than usual barbarity; and, whether he is aware that Miss Geoghagan, in terror of the released convict, is now compelled to live out of Ireland, and is still suffering seriously from the effects of the murderous attempt upon her life?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERSir, I believe the facts of this case are substantially as stated by the hon. and learned Gentle- 619 man. As a general principle, I am strongly opposed, to the plan of releasing convicts so long before the expiration of their sentences; but in this instance it appears that Bradley was released in 1876 in consequence of a medical report to the effect that she was suffering from consumption, and. that further incarceration would be endangering her life. As she seems to have been discharged without a ticket-of-leave, the Government has now no power to do more than assure Miss Geoghagan of the fullest protection, which the police have been instructed to afford her, in the event of her returning to Ireland.
MR. SULLIVANSir, would the right hon. Gentleman allow me to ask him on whose responsibility was this woman released after so short an incarceration on so long a sentence without a ticket-of-leave?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERShe was discharged in consequence of the medical report I have alluded to, on the ground of her life being in danger.