§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked the Secretary of State for 388 the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the case of Patrick Sweeney, who was charged on Thursday last, at the Thames Police Court, with assaulting Constable Dales, 441 H, whilst in the execution of his duty; whether Sweeney appeared in the dock with his "face severely cut, covered with blood, and very much swollen; "whether the constable admitted that he struck Sweeney; whether he is aware that the learned magistrate discharged the prisoner, and said that "the officer used more force than was necessary;" and, whether he will draw the attention of the Public Prosecutor to the case, with a view to the complaint against Constable Dales being investigated in open Court?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the Chief Commissioner that the constable found Sweeney kicking a women, who was lying on the pavement. The constable interfered, and was thereupon attacked by Sweeney and two women, dragged to the ground, struck and kicked. The constable stated that in the course of this struggle he struck Sweeney. Sweeney appeared in the dock with a swollen lip and with blood on his face, which had apparently come from his nose. The magistrate discharged the prisoner, making the observation quoted in the Question. The matter is now being investigated by the Chief Constable of the district. I have no reason at present for considering it a case for the Public Prosecutor. Sweeney stated that he was going to apply for a summons. This will be the proper course to secure an investigation in open Court.