John Hely-Hutchinson, 3rd Earl of Donoughmore KP, PC (I), (1787 – 14 September 1851), was an Irish politician and peer.

Background

He was the son of the Hon. Francis Hely-Hutchinson (d. 1827) (the son of Christiana Nickson, 1st Baroness of Donoughmore of Knocklofty).

Political career

He represented Tipperary in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom as a Whig. From 1832 he sat in the House of Lords, having succeeded to his uncle's peerages, specifically the Viscountcy of Hutchinson.

Treason trial in France

As a captain of the 1st Foot Guards, he helped in the escape from prison of Napoleon's postmaster-general, Comte de Lavalette. He was put on trial in Paris, along with Robert Wilson and Michael Bruce, on charges of aiding in the count's escape from prison. The trial took place at the Cour d'assises from 22 April to 24 April 1816. All three men were convicted and sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

Family

He married the Hon. Margaret Gardiner (daughter of Luke Gardiner, 1st Viscount Mountjoy) on 15 June 1822. They had two children: He married, secondly, Barbara Reynell, daughter of Lt. Col. William Reynell. They had four children: