§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Constable Joseph Bennett, who, in August last, took a gun out of Waterford Street Barrack, Belfast, and discharged it at some persons at the corner of Cullingtree Road, thereby injuring one of them, is still doing duty at Belfast; whether he was made a prisoner at the time, and detained in barracks, with a view of placing him on his trial; and, whether he has been yet tried, or has been punished in any way for the serious offence then committed?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied)said, this constable did, during the disturbances at Belfast in August last, fire 540 upon a stone-throwing mob without orders. He was not arrested, but was placed under supervision, on the advice of the medical officer, as it was quite clear from his demeanour that he was not accountable for what he had done. He has not since then performed any duty, and has been at intervals under detention as a lunatic. He is about to be discharged from the Constabulary as unfit for further service.