HC Deb 06 March 1912 vol 35 c385
Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of William Henry Thompson, who on 18th December, 1911, was convicted at Chelmsford Quarter Sessions for obtaining horses by means of worthless cheques, and sentenced to eighteen months' hard labour; whether he has since that date received information that this man was wrongfully convicted; whether, in consequence of this information, he has issued instructions for the apprehension of another person in respect of the same crime; whether Thompson is still undergoing his sentence; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. McKENNA

My attention has been called to this case, and, having made inquiries into the statement made by another prisoner to the effect that Thompson was not his accomplice, I have referred the case to the Court of Criminal Appeal, under Section 19 of the Criminal Appeal Act. As the matter is now sub judice, I can say nothing further with regard to it at present.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether Thompson's case has already been before the Court of Appeal, and whether they refused to give leave to appeal?

Mr. McKENNA

I could not say without notice.