HC Deb 14 February 1918 vol 103 cc247-8
17. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on the 8th instant a party of twenty-three young men who had refused to give bail for good behaviour were brought from Limerick to Ennis to answer the usual charges for cattle-driving and intimidation; whether they were met at the station by a military motor-lorry and armoured car and also by a large party of republicans in motor cars and on horseback; whether during the uproar in Court on the hearing of the proceedings the defendants left the Court on the order of the local commander of the volunteers, who was in uniform, marched back through the streets, and left the town; and will he say if further measures have been taken to vindicate the ordinary course of the law?

Mr. DUKE

A party of twenty-three men were arrested on a charge of unlawful assembly and brought before the magistrates at Ennis Petty Sessions. As no conveyance could be obtained to bring the prisoners to the Court-house, a motor-lorry was used which was provided by the military authorities. They also sent an armoured car as escort. A large crowd met the train at the station, but no motorcars nor persons on horseback were observed. Uproar occurred in Court, and in the confusion which followed an order for the clearance of the Court the prisoners escaped. The hearing was adjourned, and they will, no doubt, be rearrested. Perhaps I may say, in palliation of their conduct, that there was no dock to separate them from the crowd in Court. They got mixed up, and they got away in the confusion.

Major NEWMAN

Why was this local commandant wearing a public uniform allowed in the King's Court at all?

Mr. DUKE

I confess that I was not aware of that incident, and I am not sure that there was any such person there, but I will communicate with the county inspector on the subject.

Major NEWMAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put that as part of my question?

Mr. DUKE

I am sorry that it has been overlooked. No doubt the hon. and gallant Member will put it down again.

Mr. LYNCH

As there is nothing known as to how the prisoners escaped, is there any record as to how the police escaped?

Mr. DUKE

I suppose that there were not enough police to prevent the mixed crowd in the Court getting out of hand.

Major NEWMAN

Is is not a fact that one constable was badly assaulted by the crowd?

Mr. DUKE

No; I think not. It has not been so reported to me.