HC Deb 13 August 1913 vol 56 cc2505-6
61. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a man by the name of Sibley was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment last December at the Maidstone Assizes for slightly tapping a knobstick on the nose of a man who was working at Cory's coal firm at Erith; and whether, in view of Sibley's character and of the fact that he has never been imprisoned before, he can see his way to grant the prisoner an unconditional release?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers may I ask if he accepts the statement in the question that the offence was that of simply tapping a knob-stick on the nose of a man?

Mr. McKEN NA

As the reply will show, I have not accepted that view. I have had full reports of this case before me. The assault of which Sibley was guilty was a most serious one—he led several companions in an attack on a defenceless man —and he was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm. I have consulted the judge and I have carefully considered all the circumstances, including the prisoner's previous good character, but I regret that I can find no sufficient ground to justify any reduction of the sentence beyond the remission which the prisoner is entitled to earn under the prison rules.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the evidence was not disputed at the time and that the hon. Member (Mr. Rowlands) and I were in communication with the right hon. Gentleman, trying to get the sentence reduced, and that the judge who tried the case is known by organised labour as one of the most brutal judges we have ever had?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is not entitled to make such statements as that, especially at Question Time. If he has any charge to bring against any of His Majesty's judges the proper way of doing it is to put a notice on the Paper.

Mr. W. THORNE

I understand that if a notice is put down on the Order Paper to impugn the action of a judge it is ruled out of order by the Clerks at the Table.

Mr. SPEAKER

Nothing of the sort. The hon. Member can bring it to me.