HC Deb 04 April 1887 vol 313 c353
MR. T. C. HARRINGTON (Dublin, Harbour)

asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether in the case of District-Inspector Somerville and Constable Garrett Ward, against whom a Coroner's jury at Youghal returned a verdict of wilful murder, it is the intention of the Crown to proceed by indictment against them as well as upon the coroner's inquisition; and, what is the usual practice in such cases?

THE ATTOENEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)

in reply, said, that if a person had been brought to trial in recent times upon a Coroner's inquisition, it was a very exceptional proceeding. He did not know of such a course being adopted in modern times, and he did not propose to adopt it in this case. As to the rest of the Question, it would be clearly improper for him to make any statement.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman was not aware that at Trim Assizes, in County Meath, before the late Baron Pigott, a man was tried for murder upon the Coroner's inquisition?

MR. HOLMES, in reply, said that he was aware of the case; but his recollection was that the inquisition was quashed by the Judge, and the trial did not proceed.