HC Deb 22 May 1911 vol 26 cc12-3
Mr. MULDOON

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of Sara Ann Meekins, who was arrested on 29th January last by a police-constable in Dublin on a charge gravely affecting her character; whether he is aware that the constable produced at the police court a number of constables and a few women of disreputable character to support the charge; that the accused submitted to a medical examination which completely refuted the charge, which was dismissed; that the girl charges that there was a conspiracy to injure her and to substantiate this foul accusation against her; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Redmond Barry)

My attention has been called to the case mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. It would not be desirable that I should discuss the facts in any detail. Police witnesses were examined in support of the charge, and likewise some women, but it is right to point out that the latter were examined, as I am informed, in consequence of a challenge by the solicitor for the defence to produce these women in court. The girl did submit to a medical examination, and, I am informed, the magistrate dismissed the charge because of the doubts raised in his mind by the medical evidence. I myself have carefully examined the depositions in the case, and have come to the conclusion that the police action was bonâ fide, and that there is no ground for the suggestion of a conspiracy.

Mr. MULDOON

May I ask, seeing that this girl has no money with which to fight the right hon. Gentleman's police, what remedy she has under this foul charge that has been made against her

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

I do not think myself it is a case where there is a remedy in question. It is a case in which the police bonâ fide brought a charge which the magistrate dismissed. The action of the police was bonâ fide.

Mr. MULDOON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the medical evidence was in itself a complete refutation of the charge, and therefore the only thing left is that six or seven policemen must have entered into a conspiracy to commit perjury in the case; and does he think under those circumstances the matter can be left where it now is?