§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland can he explain why it is that the Crown has refused to prosecute in the case of Patrick M'Dermott, of Knoxalassa, near Riverstown, county Sligo, who was returned for trial at the recent assizes in Sligo on the charge of having discharged firearms at several persons in May last on the public road with intent to kill; whether it was as a result of an inquiry before two resident magistrates that M'Dermott was returned for trial; and, 1501 if so, what further steps, if any, the Crown intend to take in this matter.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. BIRRELL,for Mr. CHERRY) Bristol, N.,The prosecution in this case was not instituted by the police, or by the directions of the Attorney-General. It was commenced by a man named Leonard on his own responsibility. The case was heard at Riverstown Petty Sessions on 4th June last by a bench of nine magistrates, including two resident magistrates, and M'Dermott was returned for trial co the assizes recently held at Sligo. Leonard, the prosecutor, did not proceed with the case at the assizes, and it consequently dropped. The Crown have not taken, and do not intend to take, any action in the matter.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLAre not private prosecutions absolutely unknown in Ireland?
§ MR. BIRRELLThis was begun anyhow.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLWhy was it not continued?
§ MR. BIRRELLBecause it was dropped.