HC Deb 09 May 1890 vol 344 cc562-3
MR. FLYNN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if it is true, as reported in the local papers, that a young woman named Mary Cullinane was sentenced by Colonel Evanson, R.M., on Monday last, at Clonmel, to six months' imprisonment for the alleged boycotting of two men named Duggan; and, if so, what explanation can be given for the infliction of such a heavy sentence?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am informed that the facts are not accurately represented in the question. The defendant was charged with persistently following and preventing a man who occupied a farm from which this woman and her brother had been evicted from pursuing his lawful callings. Her conduct was suck as to lead to a breach of the peace. The Magistrate ordered the defendant to find bail. This she refused to do, electing to go to prison in default.

In reply to a further question by Mr. FLYNN,

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said: This was the third time this woman was brought up for the same offence. If she had found, security she would have been liberated.