§ MR. SEXTONI wish to call the Chief Secretary's attention to a case which occurred in Tipperary yesterday, in which a local professional man named Gill was charged with assaulting a constable by merely brushing against him at a street corner? He was tried before two Resident Magistrates (Messrs. Shannon and Irwin) at a Crimes Court, and was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour, and was then called upon to find bail for 12 months in accordance with the Statute of Edward III., and in default to suffer another term of one month's imprisonment. Does the right hon. Gentleman approve that sentence?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot, of course, express an opinion upon it at this moment, but I will inquire into the facts of the case in order to satisfy myself.
§ MR. J. O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)Will the right hon. Gentleman also inquire whether the Magistrates refused to increase the sentence so that Mr. Gill might have a right of appeal? Mr. Gill is the brother of the hon. Member for Louth, and I think it will be found that the police have on more than one occasion endeavoured to obstruct him in the performance of his professional duties?
§ DR. TANNERWill the right hon. Gentleman also inquire as to the character of Mr. Shannon, one of the Magistrates, in order to ascertain whether the reports of alleged immorality on his part are correct?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. J. O'CONNORI will put a further question on the Paper to-night, and I shall expect an answer definitely to-morrow.