Ballina Solicitor Courtmartialled

MR. P. J. RUTTLEDGE, SOLICITOR, BALLINA,

SENTENCED TO SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT

------------------------------------------

(Ballina Herald, February 17, 1921)

-----------------------------------------

  Mr. P. J. Ruttledge, solicitor, Ballina, who was recently court-martialled at Renmore Military Barracks, Galway, in connection with advocating in Republican Courts, has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. It is understood that Mr. Ruttledge would have been released had he agreed to give an undertaking not to practice at such courts again, and though much friendly pressure was brought to bear on him for that purpose, he steadfastly refused. Mr. Ruttledge’s conduct has earned for him the admiration of all.

==================================

BALLINA MEN TRIED BY COURTMARTIAL

-------------------------------

PRISONER PROTESTS INNOCENCE

-----------------------------------

(Western People, May 5, 1921)

-----------------------------------

  At a F.G.C.M. at Renmore Barracks, Galway, Thomas Jordan, cattle dealer, Ardnaree, and William Leydon, shop assistant, formerly employed in Messrs. Shanley Brothers, Knox Street, Ballina, were found guilty of carrying firearms. On a second charge of entering a dwelling house at Ballina on November 23^rd, 1921, a witness said that seven disguised men, wearing handkerchiefs over their faces, came to a certain house at 10.15 p.m. Four of the men entered the house and one shouted “hands up.” They were rushed by the party in the house, and the handkerchief pulled off one man’s face. Each of the four had something in his hand. They were pursued but made their escape.

  Another witness swore they burst a door in. The witness’s brother pulled the mask off one of them, and said: “I know you, Jordan.! Witness recognised that man as Leydon. He recognised Jordan when his name was shouted.

  For the defence a witness swore that Jordan was with him at Mrs. Laing’s public house from 9.30 o’clock. Leydon said that were it not for the fact that he refused to recognise the authority of the court he could get eight witnesses to prove his innocence.

SENTENCED

  The following was the decision of the courtmartial: One year with hard labour imposed on Thomas Jordan and William Leydon, Ballina, for being identified as taking part in a raid on a house.