§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to a report of the proceedings in the Summons Court at Belfast, in The Belfast Echo of August the 28th, referring to the charge preferred by District Inspector Leatham against Constable Malone of attempting to rescue a prisoner; whether Constable Malone was fined forty shillings and costs; and, whether the Government intend to take any further steps in the matter?
§ MR. MCCARTAN (Down, S.)said, that before the right hon. and learned Gentleman answered the Question he wished to ask him, Whether he was aware that on the trial several witnesses swore that Constable Malone did not attempt to rescue the prisoner; whether the decision was only that of the majority of the Bench; whether Constable Malone had given notice of appeal, and whether the case was still sub judice?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)I have read the report referred to in the Question. It is the fact that Constable Malone was fined 40s. for neglect of duty in allowing a prisoner to escape. From this decision he has appealed, and pending such appeal no final 1309 decision can be arrived at; but, as is usual in such cases, he is for the present suspended from duty. In answer to the Question of the hon. Member for South Down, it is obvious that as the matter is still sub judice it is not desirable to go into any discussion of the case.