§ MR. W. F. LAWRENCE (Liverpool, Abercromby)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the case of John Duggan, who, after stabbing a girl without provocation just below the right ear, was discharged by the Recorder of Liverpool without any punishment; whether the Home Office is aware that street ruffianism in Liverpool has been for some time the subject of consideration on the part of Her Majesty's Judges; and, whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the circumstances of the case above-mentioned?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)Yes, Sir; my attention has been called to this case, and I have obtained a Report from the Recorder upon it, who informs me that the prisoner, a youth of 18, was standing in the street, drunk, with a knife in his hand, with which he struck at a woman who was passing and inflicted a wound skin-deep. The act was without motive or provocation. He had been three weeks in prison, had a good character, and his employers were willing to receive him back if speedily released. He was also the solo support of a widowed mother and seven children. Under these circumstances, the Judge thought it right to sentence him to two days' imprisonment. In the opinion of the Judge, the case had no connection with the street ruffianism referred to in the Question.