HC Deb 24 November 1884 vol 294 cc236-7
MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the case of Patrick Grennan, who was tried at the Petty Sessions Court, Newtownforbes, Longford, on the 4th of this month, on a charge of having been out on the night of the 29th of September for the purpose of taking and destroying game; whether the charge against Grennan was that he was seen to lift a trap apparently set for pheasants on the estate of Lord Granard; whether he was sentenced to three months' imprisonment in Mullingar Gaol, and afterwards to find sureties for twelve months, or to be further committed for six months; and, whether, considering that he is a very young man, and the chief support of a large family, the Government will take steps for a mitigation of the sentence?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The facts as to the conviction are as stated. The young man has not, however, been committed to prison, as he absconded. So long as he is a fugitive from justice, the case cannot be considered with a view to mitigation should His Excellency see ground for it; but when the accused surrenders to the law, any memorial which may be presented on his behalf will receive the careful attention of the Lord Lieutenant.

MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY

Was he tried in his absence?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

No; he was sentenced in his absence.