Irish Independanr -

A Field General Courtmartial, sitting at the City Hall An Thursday, resumed the hearing of a charge of wilful murder against George Pearson and George Smith, members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, who are charged with shooting a farmer named Patrick Howard at Balscadden, near Gormanstown, on Saturday, 12th February, There is an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Counsel did not deny that the accused were in the publichousc that Saturday afternoon, but there was no more reason for charging them with murder than for charging any of the other constables who were in the publichouse on the same afternoon. Identification depended upon a glimpse of Pearson as he was moving round a corner of the counter. A female witness was not able to identify Pearson on the first identification parade, although she walked up the whole length of line, and it was only when she was called in a second time that she identified him.

That identification was really worthless. Both the accused made statements detailing their movements on the night of the murder and absolutely denying all knowledge of the crime. Tho Judge-Advocate, summing up, said there appeared to be no evidence that Smith was at the door, as suggested, and it would not be safe to convict him on the testimony given, and they should find him not guilty on both charges. He was released.

Pearson was found not guilty of the charge of manslaughter. His army record showed that he served in the Army from 1916, being with the British Expeditionary Force till 1917 in tho Royal Fusiliers and the Royal Engineers, and took his discharge as being no longer fit for active service. Defending counsel said accused bore an excellent character while in the R.I.C. and a record to this effect was put In. The decision will be promulgated in Pearson's case on the charge of murder.