HC Deb 17 May 1888 vol 326 cc546-7
MR. CONWAY (Leitrim, N.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the case of James M'Keon, who was tried before Colonel Turner and Mr. Maloney, Resident Magistrates under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, at Manorhamilton, 9th May, and sentenced to 14 days in Sligo Gaol for re-entering a farm from which he had been evicted in October last; whether he is aware that the County Court Judge, in issuing a decree for possession, also made an order to the effect that in the event of M'Keon paying or tendering one year's rent within a certain time he might regain possession of his holding; whether the defence on 9th May was that such tender was made, but refused, unless costs were paid; whether the ruling of the County Court Judge was denied by Messrs. Hewson and Frazer, the complainants, who it was alleged were in Court when the ruling was given; whether there was some delay in obtaining a copy of the ruling from Mr. Harris, Clerk of the Peace, yet such copy of the ruling arrived before the Court of Petty Sessions broke up, though M'Keon had in the meantime been sentenced; and, whether, under the circumstances, the sentence on M'Keon will be set aside, and some compensation given for injury inflicted and loss of time?

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

James M'Keon was tried before Mr. Turner, R.M., and Mr. Molony, R.M., on a charge of forcible entry and detainer of the house from which he had been evicted at the complaint of his landlord. M'Keon pleaded guilty to the charge, and was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment without hard labour. He did state that the County Court Judge made an order that if he paid a year's rent within a certain time he might regain possession. He produced no evidence, written or otherwise, to sustain this statement, which was denied by the agent, Mr. Hewson, on oath, and by the landlord's solicitor, Mr. Fenton. The written decree of the Judge was produced to the Court; but showed no such ruling on its face as that alleged by the defendant. The charge against M'Keon had been adjourned before it was heard for two weeks, which was ample time for him to procure any proof of his innocence, if such existed. Nothing is known of the alleged arrival of any document, or copy of ruling in connection with it.

MR. CONWAY

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiry of the Clerk of Petty Sessions with regard to the document furnished by the defendant; and is it not a fact it was read by the Petty Sessions Clerk to the magistrate before M'Keon was sent to gaol.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said, he was afraid he had given all the information in his power.

MR. CONWAY

said, he should put a further Question on the subject.