HC Deb 08 May 1888 vol 325 cc1624-5
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has seen a report in The Freeman's Journal of the 3rd instant, to the following effect, that— In Castlerea, on Saturday last, on the occasion of Mr. John Fitzgibbon's trial, a number of little boys with whistles went through the town, the eldest not being over 14 years of age. One of the policemen, who were very excited, attacked a boy only 12 years old, and struck him with a bâton on the head, inflicting a severe wound. So much blood flowed, that it was deemed desirable to bring him to the barrack and have the wound washed before showing him to the magistrates; are the facts as stated; who was in command of the police, and were they ordered to charge the boys and bâton them; what was the result of this boy being brought before the magistrates; and, whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the conduct of the police on this occasion?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

The Divisional Magistrate reports that the facts are not as stated in the Question. Nothing of the kind occurred on Saturday; but on Sunday night, April 29, a disorderly mob of between 30 and 40 men and boys paraded the streets of Castlerea shouting, yelling, and blowing tin whistles. As they passed the barrack the Head Constable with two constables went out and proceeded after them. On their approach the mob dispersed; but, collecting again, stoned the three police- men, who thereupon endeavoured to disperse them. A lad about 15 years old received a slight cut on his head, and was arrested almost simultaneously by the Head Constable. He was subsequently charged at Petty Sessions with being one of a disorderly and stone-throwing mob. He was bound over to come up for judgment if called upon within six months.

MR. CONYBEARE

asked, would it not be possible to get Reports on these cases from impartial and independent authority?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!