§ MR. J. DALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that John Lennon, Corduff, County Monaghan, who is undergoing in Dundalk Gaol two months' imprisonment, is in a delicate state of health, and subject to spitting of blood; whether he is aware that Lennon was convicted owing to a family quarrel, and was led to believe the case would not be proceeded with, and that in his absence, the severe sentence mentioned was inflicted; and whether he will make inquiries in this case with a view of immediately releasing Lennon?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURLennon was convicted of assaulting his wife and using threatening language towards her, and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment. He was regularly summoned to attend the Petty Sessions, but failed to appear, and, moreover, evaded arrest for some time. No evidence was produced before the magistrates to show that the case should not be proceeded with in his absence. The Medical Officer of the prison states that he is not in a delicate condition of health, nor is he subject to spitting of blood. As regards the third paragraph, it is not my province to order the release of a prisoner. Any application for a mitigation of sentence should be addressed to the Lord Lieutenant in the usual way.