HC Deb 30 June 1891 vol 354 cc1863-4
MR. COBB

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make inquiries as to the case of Mary Millard, aged 20, who, on 25th June, was charged by the police before the Aldershot Bench with being a disorderly prostitute; whether the report is correct that Police Constable Bradbury swore positively that she was a well-known prostitute, and Police Sergeant Cottle stated that there was no doubt whatever that she was a prostitute; that, at the suggestion of the chairman, the case was adjourned in order that Miss Millard might be examined by a doctor, and afterwards, on the resumption of the case, Dr. Gibson swore that he had examined her, and that the charge that she was a prostitute could not possibly be true, the chairman stating that the case fell through, and that the police should be very careful how they run people in on such a charge; and whether he will bring the facts before the Public Prosecutor, so that Police Constable Bradbury may be indicted for perjury?

The following questions were also on the Paper:—

MR. MORTON (Peterborough)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Mary Millard, who, on Friday, the 26th instant, was falsely charged by the police at Alder-shot with being a disorderly prostitute; and whether he will institute an inquiry as to the conduct of the police?

MR. H. J. WILSON (York, W.R., Holmfirth)

To ask Mr. Attorney General whether his attention has been directed to a case before the Aldershot Magistrates last Friday, when two policemen swore that a certain girl was a well-known prostitute, which evidence was proved to be entirely untrue; and whether he will call the attention of the Public Prosecutor to the matter, with a view to the prosecution of the constables for perjury?

MR. WALTER M'LAREN (Cheshire, Crewe)

To ask Mr. Attorney General whether Miss Mary Millard, who was charged by two policemen at Aldershot with being a disorderly prostitute, when it was subsequently proved that she was entirely innocent, has any remedy against the police; and, if so, what it is?

MR. MATTHEWS

My attention has been called to the case, and I have called for Reports from the Magistrates and from the Police Authorities. These I have not yet received. I should, therefore, be obliged if the hon. Members would postpone their questions till Friday next.