§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Isabella Pickup, who, in February, 1889, at the Manchester City Sessions, was sentenced to five years' penal servitude for stealing a pair of boots; and whether he will make inquiry, with a view to consider the justice of this sentence?
§ MR. MATTHEWSNo, Sir; my attention has not been called to this case otherwise than by the question of the hon. Member. I gather from the calendar that there were numerous previous convictions for drunkenness, abusive behaviour, and felony against the prisoner. If the hon. Member has any facts in his possession which can be urged in the woman's favour I shall be happy to give them full consideration; otherwise I do not see any reason to interfere with the sentence.