HC Deb 06 June 1912 vol 39 c288
33. Mr. FRED HALL

asked the circumstances under which Maurice Leahy, a member of the society of railway servants, was convicted on the 13th May at the West London Police Court for assault; and on what grounds the Home Secretary has seen fit to remit the sentence, in view of the expression of opinion by the magistrate as to the necessity for the adequate punishment of such conduct as that for which Leahy was found guilty?

Mr. McKENNA

I was not satisfied on the evidence that no provocation had been offered by the prosecutor. The magistrate passed the sentence on the view that it was a case of deliberate and unjustifiable bullying, but it seems to me unlikely that one man who was alone would have bullied two railway inspectors, who were strangers to him. In view of the prisoner's previous good character, of which evidence was given extending over a period of twenty years, I considered a term of fourteen days' imprisonment was sufficient punishment for the offence proved.

Mr. FRED HALL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in future in cases of sentence for assault it is his intention to draw a distinction between members of trade unions and other men? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

Mr. McKENNA

There is no ground for putting such a question as that to me.

Mr. FRED HALL

I simply asked it as arising out of the question I put, and I think a reasonable answer might be given.