§ MR. DEASYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Sergeant Knox, of the Blaekrock Police Station, in the city of Cork, in June last, tore his tunic to pieces and throw it into the River Leo; whether, some time ago, he attempted to shoot one of the policemen under his control; whether, in the year 1881, he was confined in the Cork Lunatic Asylum; and, whether, if these allegations are true, he will be continued in the charge of a police barrack?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the County Inspector reports that, so far as he has been able to ascertain, there is not a shadow of foundation for the suggestion in the second part of the hon. Member's Question. He states that if such a circumstance occurred it certainly would have been reported to him. It is true that three years ago the sergeant was committed for a short time to the Cork Asylum; but his illness was only temporary, and was not insanity. The Resident Magistrate Superintendent certified that it was a sudden paroxysm caused by anxiety owing to the illness of his wife; but there was no trace of insanity. His superior officer certified that he was an excellent and trustworthy officer. 1008 Twenty-five magistrates of the locality have spontaneously signed a declaration stating that his being sent to the lunatic asylum was a most unfortunate mistake.