HC Deb 10 May 1888 vol 325 cc1810-1
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne) (for Mr. PICKERSGILL) (Bethnal Green, S.W.)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the case of "R. v. Ray," heard at the Marylebone Police Court on Monday last, in which Constable Venn and Constable Davidson were concerned, and to the evidence given by Mr. A. J. Pile, of Goldney Road, and Mr. Charles King, of Perth Villa, Shirland Road, who, whilst testifying to the excellent conduct of Constable Venn, swore that— Constable Davidson went straight up to Venn and his prisoner, and, with his truncheon, knocked the latter down like a bullock, without reason or provocation; and, whether, he will call the attention of the Public Prosecutor to the alleged conduct of Constable Davidson, or take other action in the matter?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

I have seen the notes of evidence in this case, from which it appears that Constable Davidson came to the rescue of a brother constable, who was being savagely assaulted by the prisoner Ray and many others. I find it stated in Mr. Pile's evidence that the constable struck Ray on the head with his staff, making him unconscious and causing blood to flow. The magistrate told the prisoner that if he applied for a summons against the constable it would be granted. This would be the proper course for the prisoner to pursue if he feels aggrieved; and it does not seem to be a case for the interference of the Public Prosecutor.

MR. CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM (Lanark, N. W.)

asked the right hon. Gentleman, whether, in view of the fact that the Metropolitan Police murdered several men last November, he would issue instructions that they should be more careful in future?

[No reply.]