PRIEST IN PRISON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20323, 2 August 1929, Page 13

PRIEST IN PRISON.

SEIZED CATTLE RESCUED*

A HIGH-MINDED OFFENDER.

A case against the Rev. John Fahy, of Loughrea, who was charged with the illegal rescue from Peter Whelan, bailiff, of cattle seized by decree for land annuities, aroused considerable interest at Galway Circuit Court. As Father Fahy, when returned for trial, had refused to give bail he was brought up in custody, but was given a seat at the solicitors' table.

When the case was called his solicitor, Mr. O'Dea, stated that his client agreed that the depositions were correct and ha desired that this tose should be tried without a jury. "He admits that he took the cattle off the bailiff Whelan," Mr. O'Dea continued, " and he is prdpared to abide by the consequences. His one anxiety now is that no jury should bo sworn, for this reason: Various sympathies have been aroused, and my client feai'3 that those sympathies, as well .is tho fact that he is a priest, may possibly result in even one member of tho jury straining the oath in the slightest degree. My client considers that it would be the greatest calamity thai could happen in .this case. Hi's own words to ine wero of the extromest naturfi and show that Father Fahy puts truth before every other consideration. I request, therefore, that this case bs dealt with without a jury and on tho same basis as if the severist verdict had been returned by a jury. Judge Wyse Power sentenced Father Fahy to six weeks' imprisonment with* out hard labour, to date from his arrost£j£ which meant that he was immediately discharged. Mr. O'Dea then stated that Father Fahy bad asked him most particularly not to plead any extenuating circumstances, ov anything that could be interpreted as such. Tho Bishop of Clonfert has commanded Father Fahy to express regret for his action as a priest J having a vow of obedience to his b:shcp. Ilis client now obeyed this command and made such expression of regret. Father Fahy then left tho courthouse* and as he drove away ho was cheered somo people outside.