In the Parliament session, a series of questions were raised concerning the case of Constable Anderson. Mr Charles Craig sought clarification on various aspects, including the constitution of the court, the involvement of District Inspector Hetreed, and the influence of complaints against Hetreed from his time stationed in Limerick during the attacks on Dr Long. Mr Wyndham, the Chief Secretary, provided detailed responses to these queries, shedding light on the matter.
Initially, the court to investigate the charges against Constable Anderson was constituted on the suggestion of the Inspector-General. The court originally comprised District Inspectors Berne and Gregory. However, it was later discovered that Mr Berne was on leave, and to avoid inconvenience, another officer, Mr Hetreed, was selected in his place. This decision was solely made by the Inspector-General, and Sir Antony MacDonnell was not consulted nor involved in the selection process.
Regarding District Inspector Hetreed, Mr Wyndham confirmed that he had previously been stationed in Limerick during the attacks on Dr Long. However, Mr Wyndham was not aware of any complaints against Hetreed regarding the inadequate protection of Protestants in Limerick. In fact, upon leaving Limerick in 1902, Hetreed received an address subscribed to by individuals of various religious denominations, including Dr Long himself.
Further questions were raised about the second inquiry into Constable Anderson’s case, his acquittal, and the role of suggestions or complaints. Mr Wyndham clarified that there was no second court of inquiry. The first investigation, not conducted under oath, was ordered in August by Acting County Inspector Monson and carried out by District Inspector Shankey. Based on Shankey’s report and statements from several individuals, Assistant Inspector-General Singleton confirmed Anderson’s acquittal on September 11th.
However, on October 9th, County Inspector Brooke, who had returned from leave, interviewed a person named Carr, who later testified during the court of inquiry. Carr’s statement suggested that Anderson was engaged in immoral conduct with a girl, which contradicted the previous findings. County Inspector Brooke reported this information, leading to a reevaluation of the case. The Inspector-General subsequently ordered a court of inquiry on October 21st. The letters from the Rev. Mr O’Hara, addressed to District Inspector Shankey, also played a role in the decision-making process.
Regarding the medical certificate, Mr Wyndham explained that it was not initially communicated to him. The certificate accompanied a letter from Mr Mannion addressed to the Inspector-General in January. In response, the Inspector-General stated that the court of inquiry found evidence supporting the charge of immoral conduct but did not consider actual intercourse to have taken place. The Inspector-General’s reply, approved by Sir Antony MacDonnell, concurred with this finding. Mr Wyndham expressed his agreement with the Inspector-General’s opinion, had he been aware of the medical certificate at the time.
Mr Sloan inquired about the inquiries conducted in Constable Anderson’s case, the selection of the court’s president, and the subsequent appointment of District Inspector Hetreed. Mr Wyndham clarified that there was no third inquiry. The first investigation was ordered as mentioned earlier. The court of inquiry, which was conducted under oath, served as the second inquiry. The president for this court was not rejected since there was no second court. The appointment of District Inspector Hetreed was a result of the initial constitution of the court, as explained previously.
In conclusion, Mr Wyndham defended the actions taken in the case and expressed his belief that the right course had been followed. He highlighted the marriage between Constable Anderson and the young woman involved, emphasizing the satisfaction of the Royal Irish Constabulary with the justice they received at headquarters. This statement aimed to refute claims of a lack of confidence in the fairness of the proceedings.
The exchange in Parliament aimed to provide clarity and address concerns surrounding the case of Constable Anderson, shedding light on the decisions made and the reasons behind them.
Constabulary Gazette (Dublin) – Saturday 25 June 1904
