HC Deb 11 August 1884 vol 292 cc417-9
MR. KENNY

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, If the attention of the Inspector General of Constabulary has been called to some singular behaviour on the part of policemen at Lisdoonvarna, county Clare; if, on the 20th of July, two members of the police force (Constables Curtin and Corcoran), on duty in the village, were noticed to be in a state of intoxication so flagrant that a crowd gathered to observe them; if these policemen entered the house of Mr. P. Russell, lodge owner, &c. and Curtin attempted to indecently assault a domestic servant, and subsequently Mrs. Russell, who was only saved by her husband; if, when Mr. Russell reported these proceedings to Sergeant Wilson, no notice was taken of his complaint, and it was only when representations were made to Dublin that an inquiry was held; if the result of the inquiry was that the police at Lisdoonvarna summoned Mr. Russell, his wife, and servant, "for assaulting the police while in the discharge of their duty;" if these counter-summonses were taken out against the police, charging them with indecent and common assault; if, at the Petty Sessions, Curtin and Corcoran swore that, on the day in question, they had taken no intoxicating drink; and, if the evidence to the contrary was so overwhelming that Colonel Mullen, R.M. stated in Court that "the conduct of the police called for strict and immediate inquiry;" if any reason can be assigned for Sergeant Wilson's neglect of duty in failing to take action upon Mr. Russell's complaint, and if this policeman is a lodge owner at Lisdoonvarna, and devotes his attention to lodgers staying with him instead of doing his public duty; and, if it is in accordance with the Constabulary Regulations that a policeman should engage in business speculations; if an inquiry will be held into the conduct of Wilson, Curtin, and Corcoran; and, will the evidence of those persons principally concerned be received against them?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

Two constables were reported to be intoxicated. This allegation was made by two publicans and other persons, either their family or lodgers. On the other hand, the sergeant and two other constables of the station assert that they were perfectly sober. No charge of indecent assault was made against either consable either by Mrs. Russell or the servant. The latter denies on oath that any such thing occurred. Russell complained that his wife was assaulted, but did not complain of an indecent assault. It is not the case that the constable took no notice of the complaint. On the contrary, he at once went and inquired into it and visited the constables, and, as he states, found them sober. They charged Russell and his wife and servant with assaulting them and obstructing them in the execution of their duty. These charges were made before any inquiry was made from headquarters. Counter summonses for indecent assault were not taken out against the police. The constables did swear that they had taken no drink. The Resident Magistrate merely said that the matter was one for Constabulary inquiry. He did not use the words "strict and immediate;" but any inquiry held will be strict. The Inspector General says it does not appear that the sergeant neglected his duty. I am informed it is the fact that the sergeant's wife keeps lodgings. The Inspector General does not approve of this, and will prohibit it. The Inspector General, as at present advised, considers it desirable to hold a Constabulary inquiry into the charges against the police. If so, any evidence bearing on these points will be received.

MR. KENNY

asked whether it was a fact that the case of assault brought against these people by the police was dismissed? He would also ask, if an inquiry was held, whether there would be any objection to receive a copy of an affidavit made by the woman?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKEH)

An inquiry is going to be held, and all those matters will be received.