§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAMI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. William Cassey, of Lyreen Kilworth, County Cork, was returned for trial to Quarter Sessions in March, 1901, for alleged housebreaking, on the evidence of Sergeant Molloy and Constable Devey, Royal Irish Constabulary; that a police inquiry into the matter was held prior to the Quarter Sessions, and, as a result, a nolle prosequi was entered by the Crown; and, seeing that the evidence at this inquiry showed that the police witnesses against Cassey made up this charge, will he explain why they are still retained in the Constabulary.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe prosecution was not proceeded with simply because the evidence, which consisted of the identity of footprints alone, was, in the opinion of the Attorney-General, insufficient to put the accused on his trial. The only inquiry held satisfied the officers of the force who held it that the conduct of the sergeant and constable was perfectly bonâ fide and proper in all respects. A charge was not made up against Cassey, nor was a nolle prosequi entered for the reasons stated in the question.
§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAMHas the right hon. Gentleman had an opportunity of reading the report of the County Inspector?
§ MR. WYNDHAMYes, I have gone very closely into the matter, and I am satisfied that the answer I have given is correct.