HC Deb 15 April 1914 vol 61 cc174-5W
Mr. FIELD

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will inquire into the complaint of John Conroy's solicitor, who states, owing to a decision, that an appeal could be only granted on a writ of Habeas Corpus, a proceeding involving expense beyond the means of a working man; and whether he is aware the effect of such direction is that a person having a statutory right to appeal against a sentence of imprisonment for one month may be deprived of that statutory right unless he can afford to take expensive proceedings in the King's Bench?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have inquired into this matter, and find that in the case referred to the accused was sentenced to two months' imprisonment for assault on a military policeman, and to a further term of one month's imprisonment for assault on a constable of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. The accused was not professionally represented at the trial and wished to appeal from the first sentence, but, owing to an error, the necessary recognisances were not entered into. The case was exceptional, and the defendant was discharged by order of the Lord Lieutenant. As to the latter part of the question, I am not aware of any direction to the effect stated.