§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the following report:—
Extraordinary action of a chief warder—Thomas Robert Lesson having been tried at the Middlesex Sessions and acquitted, some time after the verdict of the jury had been recorded, the defendant's counsel informed the court that the defendant was still detained in the cells below for some purpose. Mr. Fletcher: 'Is this so? Send for the chief warder.' The chief warder then came into the dock with Lesson. Mr. Fletcher ordered Lesson to be immediately discharged, and cautioned the warder. The clerk of the court said,' This is not the first time it has happened.' It was understood that Lesson had been detained in the cells in order that a full description should be taken of his person, notwithstanding the fact that the jury had acquitted him;and, whether, if the above report be accurate, he will cause inquiry to be made as to other similar cases, and take such steps to prevent their recurrence, either in the Metropolis or in the Provinces, as he may deem advisable?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)I have obtained a Report from the officer who was in charge of the prisoners at the Sessions referred to. He denies that there was any unnecessary delay, or that Lesson was detained in order to take a description of his person, and he states that the prisoner was discharged within 10 minutes of the verdict being given. He also denies that the clerk of the Court made the remark which is imputed to him. I am not aware of any other similar cases; but if the hon. Member will specify them I will do my best to rectify any abuse that may exist.