MR. JOHN ELLISasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, early in February, two police constables were arrested by District Inspector Brett, R. I. C., and by him charged with having cut the tail off a cow belonging to James Byrne, near Carron Burren, county Clare, and also damaging some hay belonging to him.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURDistrict Inspector Brett reports that it is not the case that he either arrested two police constables or charged them as alleged in the question. James Byrne stated that his property was injured in the manner indicated, and that he was fired at on pursuing the persons. The constables were brought up at Petty Sessions on the charge of James Byrne that they had fired at him. The case was dismissed on the merits, the magistrates at the same time stating that the constables left the Court without the slightest stain on their characters, and that they considered Byrne's swearing to be of a most reckless description.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am not acquainted with it, but if the hon. Member will give notice of the Question I will ascertain.