ASSAULT BY DRUNKEN POLICEMAN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IX, Issue 460, 3 February 1882, Page 21

ASSAULT BY DRUNKEN POLICEMAN.

Tbb correppondent of the Dublin Freeman, writing from Athy on Saturday, November 26, says : — To-night, about seven o'clock, several aggravated assaults on people by policemen occurred in this town. Two sub-constables, stationed about four miles from Athy, were iv town on duty. On the way to their home they visited several public houses. When they were crossing the canal bridge they were seen to be under the influence of drink — they were, in fact, staggering. A little boy said, "The Peelers are drunk," when one of them drew his baton and struck a young man named O'Hara. A crowd soon collected, and O'Hara ran for something with which to protect himself. Meanwhile the policeman walked away after putting everyone on the bridge and in the street to flight. When they reached Plewman'srow t^ey broke the windows as they went along with their batons. A Mrs. Chapman ran to the door to see who was breaking the window ; in a moment she got a severe stroke of a baton on the side which nearly felled her. She screamed out that Bhe was killed, and her son, John Chapman, ran to her assistance, but before he could do anything he received a blow on the skull which rendered him nearly senseless ; another followed, and when old Mr. Chapman went out he too was assaulted. A man named Ryan, who lived next door, ran to save the Chapmans ; the baton of one of the policemen was descending on his head with full force ; he raised his hand to protect himself and received a blow on the back of the hand, which was split open. Were it not for the interference of Mr. M. J. Minch, the intoxicated police would have received very rought treatment. They got off, however, with a few blows, and were taken to the barrack by the Athy constabulary. Chapman's head was dressed subsequently by Dr. Kilbride, and he is determined to lodge informations.