HC Deb 04 March 1908 vol 185 c664
MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Constabulary authorities are aware that a respectable young man named Eugene O'Riordan was arrested on Sunday 23rd inst. in King-williamstown, county Cork, by an acting sergeant of Royal Irish Constabulary, and taken to the police station, but on arrival there no charge was preferred and he was immediately released; and what explanation can be given to justify the arrest of this young man against whom no charge was made.

(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) A police sergeant found O'Riordan on licensed premises during prohibited hours on Sunday, and, as he failed to give his full name and address, the sergeant took him to the police station under the authority of the 37 and 38 Vic., c. 69, s. 27. Upon arrival at the police station O'Riordan's name and address were given by his uncle to the police, and O'Riordan was at once released. It was then found that he was a bona fide traveller, and consequently he was not prosecuted.