HC Deb 05 March 1885 vol 295 cc97-9
MR. SEXTON

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Irish Government have noticed that, in a case heard at the Five-miletown (Tyrone) Petty Sessions, on the 5th ultimo, by J. A. Pomeroy and Major E. Brown, justices, it was proved that a man named Sherry had gone, disguised, with others, into the dwelling-house of one Thomas Little, and, while his associates decoyed Mr. Little out of the house, had assaulted Mrs. Little, set fire to the house, and attempted to carry away a drum, but being prevented by the return of Mr. Little, made a dangerous assault upon him with a weapon known as a hook; whether Sergeant Green, the member of the Constabulary force in charge of the prosecution, applied to the justices named to send the case to a higher Court for trial, and whether the justices refused the application, inflicted on Sherry no heavier punishment than a fine of £3, and refused to award Thomas Little any compensation, either out of the fine or otherwise, for furniture broken and damaged by Sherry; whether Thomas Little and Mr. Pomeroy, one of the justices, were some time since opposing litigants; and, what action the Government will take in reference to the case?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

This case arose out of the disputed possession of a drum, which had been purchased by subscription by an Orange Lodge, and which Thomas Little, who had it in his keeping, had declined to give up. On the evening of the occurrence, Sherry, with another man, entered Little's house; and while his companion induced Little to leave the house, Sherry attempted to abstract the drum, but was prevented by Little's wife, whose shouts brought her husband to her assistance, and he, seeing what was going on, struck Sherry with a shovel, and attempted to stab him with a pitchfork, but was prevented by his wife. Sherry then succeeded in making his escape, but without the drum. There was no satisfactory evidence given as to Sherry being disguised, and it was not shown that he violently assaulted Little or his wife, or, in fact, did anything beyond struggling to carry off the drum. The allegation as to his setting fire to the house is based on the fact that, in trying to get at the drum, he upset a lamp; and the weapon "known as a hook" was an instrument apparently intended to cut down the drum which was hanging from the rafters of the house. The police did apply to have the case returned for trial; but the magistrates considered the requirements of the case would be met by fining Sherry £3 and 5. 6d. costs. I am informed that there had been litigation between Little and Mr. Pomeroy, one of the magistrates; but having regard to what I have stated, I think justice was done in the present case, and that there is no reason for interference.

MR. SEXTON

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the police were so dissatisfied with the decision of the magistrates that they gave notice of appeal?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Yes; I am aware of it.