§ MR. HERBERT GARDNER (Essex, Saffron Walden)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention had been called to the case of a woman called Sarah Dorothy Beck, who was lately sentenced to a month's imprisonment by Magistrates at Penrith Petty Sessions for stealing three hens value six shillings, and subsequently died in gaol; whether she was a person of weak intellect; whether any previous convictions were alleged against her at her trial; and whether he would consider the advisability of reminding County Magistrates generally of their power of fining instead of imprisoning for first offences?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS,) Birmingham, E.I am informed by the Justices, that this woman pleaded guilty to the theft, and was sent to prison for a month, and that she showed no signs of weak intellect when in the hands of the police, or when before the Magistrates, but was deaf, and quiet in her manner. There were no previous convictions against her. She died the morning after her reception in gaol from natural causes. I am not aware that County Magistrates are unmindful of the powers vested in them by law. On the contrary, I believe that the discretion of fining instead of imprisoning is largely resorted to by them.
§ MR. H. GARDNERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the 7 inquest which followed the death of this woman, the doctor of the prison visited the deceased, and ordered her into the hospital, because she was suffering from mental disease?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have given the hon. Gentleman the exact statement which has been sent to me.
§ MR. H. GARDNERWill the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiry?
§ MR. MATTHEWSYes.