HC Deb 27 August 1889 vol 340 cc595-6
MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON

I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland if it is true that Michael Connell, over 70 years of age, was, at the last O'Dorney (County Kerry) Petty Sessions, sentenced to a fortnight's imprisonment without the option of a fine for having arms in a proclaimed district; whether the arms in question consisted of a rusty gun barrel and a broken stock which did not match it, which were alleged to have been found concealed in an outhouse of Connell's; whether the police who gave evidence in the case as well as the Magistrate presiding expressed their belief that the old man never knew of their existence; and, if, under the circumstances, he would advise the Lord Lieutenant to order Connell's discharge?

MR. MADDEN

I have not yet received the information which would enable me to answer this question.

MR. E. HARRINGTON

Has not the attention of the hon. and learned Gentleman been called to this case in the public Press? It is the case of an old man 70 years of age, who appears to have acted innocently, and will not the hon. and learned Gentleman request the Lord Lieutenant to discharge him?

MR. MADDEN

As a matter of fact, I have not received any Report of the case. I will make inquiries.

MR. SEXTON

This man is more than 70 years of age, and he was merely in possession of a rusty gun barrel and with only a broken stock that did not belong to it. It is quite evident that he could have had no criminal intent.

MR. MADDEN

I have said that I will make inquiries, and that is all I can say.

MR. E. HARRINGTON

Has the attention of the hon. and learned Gentleman been called to the Report of the case in the local Conservative paper, in which it is stated that the police sergeant said he did not believe this old man knew that the things were in the house? The Magistrate also said, addressing the prisoner— You are a very old man, and we do not think you knew the ammunition was there; somebody else did, and, therefore, you must go to gaol. Further, did not a witness come forward and say that he had known the old man for 18 years, and that he was incapable of enduring imprisonment?

MR. MADDEN

I can only say that inquiry shall be made without a moment's delay.

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