§ MR. HEALYasked the Solicitor General for Ireland, How long the men accused of the murder of Constable Browne, in King's County, were detained in gaol; how many men were so detained; whether they were ever brought to trial; and, whether they were subsequently released without trial; and, if so, if he would state why?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)The men accused of the murder of Constable Browne in King's County were detained in gaol from the 15th and 19th of May, 1883, to the 11th and 12th of September, except one, who was discharged on the 8th of June, 1883. Nine men in all I were so detained. True bills for murder were found at the last Assizes for the King's County on the 3rd of July; but the trial was postponed on the application of the Crown to the next Assizes. The accused were, on the 11th and 12th of September last, released on their own recognizances with two sureties, to come up for trial at the following March Assizes if so required. They were released on bail because the Law Officers were of opinion that, though the case was one of strong suspicion, it was not one in which the Crown should proceed 1164 with the trial, and the case will not be proceeded with.