HC Deb 27 July 1876 vol 230 c1961
MR. STACPOOLE (for Sir Alexander Gordon)

asked the Judge Advocate General, Whether it is true, as reported in the "Broad Arrow" of the 15th instant, that the officer officiating as his deputy at the trial of Captain Roberts, 94th Regiment, pointed out to the Members of the Court Martial, when summing up the evidence, that the acquittal of the prisoner would involve the character and standing of his commanding officer; and, if so, whether the conduct of the officiating officer is approved of by him?

MR. CAVENDISH BENTINCK

The issue of the late court martial upon Captain Roberts was limited to a question of fact, whether a certain statement made in writing by the prisoner and alleging acts of gross misconduct towards him by the colonel of his regiment, was true or false. The Deputy Judge Advocate, in summing up the case to the Court, after stating the charges upon which the prisoner was arraigned, spoke as follows:— The case before you is thus of the gravest importance, for upon the issue, not only do the honour and the interests of the prisoner depend, but indirectly are involved both the character and the reputation of his commanding officer. In answer to the latter portion of the Question I have to say that, in my opinion, no exception can be taken to these observations, and that the Deputy Judge Advocate fulfilled his duty satisfactorily in every respect.