Limerick, Friday – The Spring Assizes in County Limerick commenced with an air of tranquillity as Mr Justice Dodd took his seat in the County Crown Court at 11 o’clock this morning. The High Sheriff, Captain J. J. White, J.P., and the Under-Sheriff, Mr Benjamin K. Lucas, were in attendance. Mr Wm. M. Beauchamp, solicitor, presented the proclamation for the Assizes, and after the panel was called, the Grand Jury was sworn in.

Sir Heffernan J.P. assumed the role of foreman, leading a distinguished group including Thomas Durban Atkinson, J.P., D.L.; John R. Barrington, J.P.; James Barry, J.P., D.L.; and others. The Grand Jury expressed a preference for the old form of oath, which was duly administered by His Lordship.

In his address to the Grand Jury, Mr Justice Dodd acknowledged the limited number of cases before them, numbering only five, with one particularly grave case involving the alleged murder of a wife by her husband. He emphasized that the Grand Jury had the authority to discern between minor offences and more serious charges, urging them to carefully consider the circumstances of each case.

The judge noted a positive trend in the county, with only ten cases reported since the last Assizes, and highlighted a decrease in instances requiring police protection. Last year saw 19 individuals under constant police protection, whereas this year’s figure stood at two. Mr Justice Dodd commended the county for what he perceived as isolated criminal acts rather than a coordinated challenge to the law.

He further stated, “It was the wish of the Grand Jury, and it was my Lordship’s wish, that this tendency should quickly vanish.” The judge also expressed gratitude for the respect and courtesy extended by the citizens of Limerick and hoped for the continued improvement of facilities for judges.

The Grand Jury retired to consider bills after the judge’s address.

City of Limerick Witnesses Peaceful Commission Opening

Limerick, Friday – At 11 o’clock this morning, the City Commission opened with the Lord Chief Justice, Lord O’Brien, presiding. Accompanying him on the bench were the Mayor, Councillor T. Ryan, and Mr W. O. Stokes, J.P., the High Sheriff. The Grand Jury, led by foreman William Boyd, included notable figures such as Benjamin Bennett, Arthur J. Barnett, and Sir Alexander Shaw.

The High Sheriff presented the Lord Chief Justice with a pair of white gloves symbolizing the peaceful state of the city. His Lordship expressed delight at receiving the gloves and commended the city for its peaceful condition, acknowledging his family’s historical association with Limerick. He congratulated the Grand Jury on the city’s state and promptly discharged them.

Mr C. O’B. Kelly, Junior Crown Counsel, sought permission to enter a nolle prosequi in the case of the Crown versus David Finn, a request that was granted by His Lordship.

The court then shifted its focus to hearing appeals.

Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 05 March 1910