HC Deb 12 May 1890 vol 344 cc693-4
MR. P. O'BRIEN (Monaghan, N.)

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland what verdict, if any, has been returned by the Coroner's Jury in the case of Dr. Cross, alleged to have been hanged in Cork Gaol about two years ago for poisoning his wife?

*THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) University of Dublin

The General Prisons Board report that the convict Dr. Cross was executed within the precincts of Cork Prison on January 10, 1888. On the Same morning an inquest was held by the coroner in the usual manner. No verdict, however, was returned by the jury, the coroner having declined to close the inquest without the production of the executioner.

MR. SEXTON

May I ask if the death of the criminal has been registered?

*MR. MADDEN

I rather think so, under the provisions of the Act: but if the hon. Member will repeat the question I will answer it.

MR. SEXTON

Could the death be legally registered, except upon the certificate of the jury?

*MR. MADDEN

I believe that it could under the provisions of the Act, but I do not like to give a positive answer without referring to the Act.

MR. SEXTON

I will repeat the question to-morrow.

DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid.)

Some of my constituents do not believe that Dr. Cross was hanged at all.