HC Deb 28 July 1910 vol 19 cc2320-1
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the reasons that actuated the Government in their decision to enter a nolle prosequi in the case of the King against Richard J. Walsh, Kilmurry, and others at the Kerry Summer Assizes; and whether the Government intend in future to refuse to prosecute in all such cases of throwing boiling whitewash and tar by well-armed mobs over members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in the execution of their duty?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

The men accused in this case were tried at the spring assizes on the main charge arising out of the resistance of the sheriff, and were acquitted. In these circumstances, and having regard to the improved state of the district, I considered that it would have been an overstraining of the matter to proceed to trial on the subsidiary charges.

Captain CRAIG

In future is it intended not to prosecute in these cases?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

There is, of course, an intention to prosecute where evidence is available.

Captain CRAIG

Why was it not done in this case?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

It was done.

Captain CRAIG

The facts mentioned in the question were stated by the Chief Secretary, and, under the circumstances, why was the law not put in force and these people prosecuted?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

The whole transaction was gone into, and as the main accusation was disposed of the minor matters also fell through.