HC Deb 20 June 1907 vol 176 cc614-5
MR. WARDLE (Stockport)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the sentence of two months imprisonment passed on Herbert Blake at Clerkenwell on the 14th instant for stealing two loaves; and whether, in view of the prisoner's character and previous record, and the exceptional circumstances under which the theft was committed, he will consider the advisability of reducing the sentence.

MR. RICHARDSON (Nottingham, S.)

May I also ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Herbert Blake, carman, Goodinge Road, Islington, who on the 13th instant was sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labour, at Clerkenwell police court, by Mr. d'Eyn-court, for stealing two loaves of bread value 9½d.; and whether, taking into account the prisoner's previous good character, he can see his way clear to order his immediate release.

MR. GLADSTONE

I have made careful inquiries into this case, and I find that it was inadequately reported in the newspapers. The theft was not a single one; the man, while employed in a position of trust and earning good wages, systematically robbed his employers. I regret that in view of all the facts I do not feel able to advise any reduction of the sentence.

MR. RICHARDSON

Were any other charges brought against this man at that time?

MR. GLADSTONE

The charge was one of systematically robbing his employer, which had been going on for three weeks or so.

MR. J. WARD (Stoke-on-Trent)

Was not the man actually charged with stealing two loaves value 9??d., and was it not for that that the sentence was passed?

MR. GLADSTONE

As I have said the case was imperfectly reported. The man was robbing his employer and putting the money into his own pocket.

MR. RICHARDSON

Was he charged with systematically robbing his employer? Was it a general charge, or a specific charge of stealing two loaves?

MR. GLADSTONE

I have told the hon. Member what was shown by the evidence and I see no reason to interfere. It was a specific charge, but the evidence showed that the robbery had been going on for seventeen days.

MR. J. WARD

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the remarks of the magistrate in giving his decision? Would they not practically mean, if acted upon, the repeal of the First Offender's Act?

MR. GLADSTONE

I do not agree with my hon. friend.