HC Deb 26 July 1889 vol 338 cc1414-5
MR. ROWNTREE (Scarborough)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the following circumstances—namely, that on Sunday, the 10th day of March last, as some peasant children were playing near to one of the roads entering into Woodford by Galway, a man named John White slackened the speed of his car in passing, stood up in his car, and fired off his revolver in the direction of the children; that one them, Ellen Goonan, was ill with the fright; that her mother, Mary Goonan, swore an information against White before Mr. Burke, a local Magistrate, and was bound over in a penalty of £20 to attend at the next Petty Sessions to give evidence of the offence; that on hearing nothing further she went to the District Inspector of Police and was told to call again, a3 the matter was still under consideration, and that some days afterwards she was told by the police that nothing further would be done in the matter; whether firing a revolver on the high road is a misdemeanour; was White ever tried; and, with whom the responsibility for the stay of the proceedings against him rests?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Constabulary Authorities report that immediately on complaint being made, the matter was investigated. They found that although the shot had been improperly fired on the public road, it was at a distance of some 90 yards from the Goonans' cottage, and that the shot was not fired at the children nor in any way intended to frighten them. The woman did swear an information. The mere discharge of firearms upon the public road does not appear to be in itself a misdemeanour, but it is punishable by summary jurisdiction. No prosecution was instituted by the police, as the Divisional Commissioner was satisfied that White had no intention of harming anyone, and that the charge made against him was not bonâfide, but through ill will in consequence of his having paid his rent.

MR. ROWNTREE

Was it a bonâ fide charge or not; and if not, why was the woman sworn and bound over to appear and give evidence under a penalty of £20?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I should like to have notice of that question. I have given all the information with which I have been supplied.

MR. ROWNTREE

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman really read my question, because this is really involved in it?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am sorry that I have no more information to give.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

May I ask the Home Secretary whether in England the police would take notice of a man who fired a revolver on the high road?

THE SECEETAEY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS,) Birmingham, E.

The police would undoubtedly exercise their discretion in such a case.