§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether County Inspector Brownrigg was fined at Youghal Petty Sessions, held on Thursday, the 18th February, for assault; how many previous criminal convictions are recorded against the said peace officer; and, whether such convictions diminish the pension usually accorded well-conducted officers on retirement from the Service; and, if so, to what extent will it affect the said County Inspector?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)For an alleged assault committed in the discharge of his duty Inspector Brownrigg was fined in a nominal sum of a farthing, without costs, and the magistrates said the case should never have been brought into Court. No previous criminal convictions are recorded against him.
§ DR. TANNERasked if the right hon. Gentleman could say why such a statement was made by the magistrates—that the case should never have been brought into Court—when they were obliged to fine him?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI really do not know. I suppose they found themselves technically obliged to convict him.