HC Deb 16 June 1899 vol 72 cc1339-40
MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)

had on the paper the following Question: "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of a domestic servant, aged 16, named Sarah Hale, who pleaded guilty to having stolen from her mistress some small articles of jewellery, valued at 7s. 6d., when charged with this offence before the Petty Sessions at Moreton-in-Marsh, and was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, although it was stated that she had been in one or two situations previously where there was nothing against her character, and that her father and mother were most repectable people; and whether, in view of her previous good character, and of the youth of the girl, he could see his way to give her the benefit of the First Offenders Act." On its being called, the hon. Member announced that he had that morning received from the Home Secretary a letter intimating that the sentence had been reduced to three weeks, and that the woman would be released the next day.