Patrick Brennan Held Responsible in Milk Adulteration Case

Patrick Brennan, a dairyman of Sundrive Avenue, Crumlin Road, Dublin, appeared in the Dublin District Court following summonses issued by the Dublin Corporation. The case concerned four samples of milk supplied to Portobello Barracks in October 1933. Upon analysis, the samples were found to contain 8.8%, 7.1%, 9.4%, and 9.4% added water, respectively.

Inspector Fannan testified that the samples were taken at Portobello Barracks during delivery. Mr. Ging, of Clondalkin, who delivered the milk on behalf of Mr. Brennan, claimed full responsibility. He explained that the milk supplied to the Barracks came from his own cows and not from Mr. Brennan’s stock.

Mr. Ging further elaborated that Mr. Brennan initially secured the contract to supply milk to Portobello Barracks. However, due to commitments to other contracts undertaken after submitting his tender, Mr. Brennan passed the army supply contract to Mr. Ging. During this period, Mr. Ging provided 60 to 80 gallons of milk daily to the Barracks, and Mr. Brennan had no direct involvement with the supplied milk.

Despite these explanations, District Justice Little held that, in the eyes of the law, Mr. Brennan remained responsible for the milk supplied under his contract. Consequently, Justice Little imposed penalties across four summonses, amounting to a total of £7 5s, along with additional court costs.