INTIMIDATING A JUDGE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2460, 5 February 1881, Page 4

INTIMIDATING A JUDGE.

Mr Justice Fitzgerald at tlie conclusion of the trial of a man named Coffey, who was acquitted at the Cork assizes of the charge of firing at and wounding a bailiff named Hanlon, at New Pallas, said that he had received a threatening letter worded as follows : —“ Irishtown, Limerick. Look here my boy: By Jesus Christ if you do not charge the jury fairly and impartially your life is not worth a thraneen. You may be shot dead in Court—A Pallas Boy.” His lordship said such threats would not have the slightest effect upon him, and he regretted that after being twentyone years upon the bench anyone should have thought it necessary to question his impartiality. The members of the bar present expressed their indignation at the letter, and the prisoner Coffey disclaimed through his _ counsel any responsibility for his friends in the matter. When the letter was handed to the reporters it was found to have on the second page the words:—“ Ireland a nation 1 To hell with Miss la Heine 1 Parnell for ever, notre Hoi!” The letter also contained a rude sketch of a man with a pistol, and the words, “ Shot by .”