CLAIM AGAINST N.S.P.C.C.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16817, 8 June 1926, Page 6

CLAIM AGAINST N.S.P.C.C.

ENGLISHMAN SENTENCED AT CORK The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children were defendants in an action for alleged malicious prosecution brought against it by .Mr John William Reginald Thresh, a commercial traveller, residing at Sunnyvale, Portway, Wells, Somerset (says a London paper). Mr T. J. O'Connor, for Mr Thresh, said that his client, who had never had any connection with the Irish Free State except as a visitor, was deported from Blackpool, taken to Ireland by the Irish Civic Guard, and tried in Cork with wilfully neglecting his two children, Kenneth, aged 3 years, and Leslie, aged 2 years, and sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Mr Thresh was 36 years of age, and was born at Shepton Malet, Somerset. While travelling in Ireland on behalf of a British firm in 1917, he met at an hotel in Cork a book-keeper, whom lie married in May 1918.

In July 1920 they went to live at Tooting, S.W., but in December 1921, without warning, his wife left him and returned io live with her mother at Cork.

Mr Thresh, through his wife's solicitors, said he would pay her £3 a week, but asked her to return to V--witli him in England. .Mrs Thresh, however, made complaint lo the officer of the N.S.P.C.C. in Cork, and although the inspectors of the society in different parts of England satisiied themselves that Mr Thrcsh's story that he was always willing lo support his wife and children was true, -Mr Fitzsimmons, the society's inspector in Cork, continued lo press for action. Finally the Cork branch of the society obtained a warrant against him, charging him with wilfully neglecting his children, and on M.y 8,192 i, he was. arrested in Blackpool, and '•"- in custody until May 12, when he was taken over to Ireland by Civic Guards. Mr Thresh gave notice of appeal and was released lo prosecute it. The appeal was heard in Cork Circuit Court before Judge Connor, who said that before Mrs Thresh ran away there had not been a thread of evidence of neglect, and lie quashed the conviction, refusing the society their costs. The bearing was adjourned.