§ MR. COLMAN (Norwich)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the sentences of one month and 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour passed by the Norwich Magistrates on the 27th ultimo upon Arthur Shingles and James Wright, respectively, for intimidation; whether it is usual in this class of offences to impose fines; and whether he will communicate with the Magistrates referred to, and advise the liberation of the prisoners?
§ MR. MATTHEWSYes, Sir; I have received a Report from the Justices as to these cases, and also a copy of the evidence. Itdepends upon the circumstances of each case whether the offence can be adequately punished by the infliction of a fine. In previous cases in the City of Norwich the Magistrates had imposed fines; but finding that these sentences had not had a deterrent effect they were of opinion that a sentence of imprisonment was necessary for the protection of individuals and for the general peace of the city. The sentence in the case of Wright has already all but expired, and I should not be justified in advising any interference with the sentence on Shingles, whose offence was clearly proved.