§ MR. ESSLEMONT (Aberdeen, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the evidence of the police before the Coroner of East London at the inquiry regarding the death of Frances Coles on Friday last, from which it appears that the man Sadler was left outside the dock gates in a state of intoxication, such as to be thought unable to go on board his ship; that he was struck down and severely bruised in presence of or without remonstrance on the part of the police; and whether, if the man was drunk as described, he was entitled to protection; or, if not, to be taken into custody by the police?
§ MR. MATTHEWSThe Commissioner of Police informs me that he has only seen a newspaper account of the evidence, and there is nothing in that to bear out the allegation that Sadler was struck down and severely bruised in the presence of the police. The only constable who saw him at the dock gate considered that, although he had been drinking, he was not in such a state of intoxication as to warrant his being taken into custody.
§ MR. ESSLEMONTHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that in the sworn evidence it is stated that this policeman was asked to turn away, and that he did go away 30 yards?
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo, Sir; I have not had a Report of such evidence, but I will make inquiry.