HC Deb 11 March 1887 vol 312 c7
MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.) (for Dr. KENNY) (Cork, S.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether a man, named Felix Sweeny, was arrested at Dunmanway for breaking a pane of glass value 6d; whether he was sent to the County Cork Gaol to await his trial; whether he was brought to the Dunmanway Petty Sessions for trial; if, in default of paying a fine of 5s. he was sent to the County Cork Gaol for seven days; whether the expenses in connection with this case were £3 10s. 6d.; and, whether, in future, the necessity of incurring large expenses in such trivial cases will be obviated?

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

(who replied) said: The man referred to is a tramp who deliberately broke a pane of glass upon being refused alms. The statements in the second, third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of the Question are substantially accurate. Offences of this kind must be punished, and some expenses attendant thereon cannot be avoided.