§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)I beg to ask the Secretary of State of the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on Friday, Mr. Cooke, Metropolitan Police Magistrate, sitting at Marylebone, sentenced Charles John Gay to one month's imprisonment with hard labour for stealing two oranges; whether Gay had 14 years' good character; whether it was his first offence; whether his employer declined to prosecute; and whether, in this case, any portion of the sentence can be remitted?
§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S. W.)I would also ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, having regard to the fact that this was Gay's first offence, and that he had 14 years' good character, he will advise that the remainder of the sentence be remitted?
§ MR. MATTHEWSMy attention has been called to this case. Gay had been five weeks in the service of the employers whose goods were under his charge. He had 14 years' good character from former employers. It was his first offence. He was prosecuted by a detective in the employment of the London and North-Western Railway Company. I am informed by the learned magistrate that he was satisfied that Gay had broken open two boxes, from one of which he took oranges and from the other sweets, and that for this reason the learned magistrate thought it necessary to pass a sentence of imprisonment. Having regard to all the circumstances I have determined to recommend the remission of half the sentence.