HC Deb 12 December 1911 vol 32 cc2147-8
Mr. J. WARD

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of an old age pensioner, Amos Burgess, who was sentenced to seven days' hard labour for an alleged theft of coal, value 6d., from an allotment; whether such sentence also involves the loss of his old age pension; and, if so, whether there is any action he can take to prevent such penalty following this crime?

Mr. McKENNA

My attention has been called to the case, and I have made inquiry as to the facts. I find that the newspaper reports of the case which the hon. Member has no doubt seen, are incomplete and inaccurate; and after full consideration I have not felt justified in advising any interference with the sentence. Under the Act, which received the assent of Parliament this Session, the forfeiture of pension is for two years only.

Mr. J. WARD

Among the facts that are now within the knowledge of the right hon. Gentleman is it a fact that the coal was on the prisoner's allotment?

Mr. McKENNA

The coal in question was a considerable quantity, weighing, I believe, 43 lbs. I understand the man was at the time carrying it across his allotment, but that there can be no question whatever that the coal was stolen.

Mr. J. WARD

Was it proved where it was stolen from?

Mr. McKENNA

No, Sir; I do not think that the place of origin of the coal was found, but my hon. Friend will understand that in an article like coal it is very difficult to prove where such a quantity as 43 lbs. may have been stolen from.

Mr. J. WARD

The matter is rather important: is there any evidence to disprove the statement of the prisoner that he found the coal and the sack on his own allotment?

Mr. McKENNA

Yes, Sir; the Court was satisfied that the prisoner had stolen the coal. My hon. Friend must understand that I do not occupy the position of a Court of Criminal Appeal. Upon the report of this case, assuming the guilt of the prisoner, I have no doubt that the sentence was perfectly proper. My hon. Friend must remember that the man concerned is one against whom there had been a large number of convictions.