§ 17. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the case of two men, named Swan and 1681 Cassidy, who, on Wednesday, 9th July, were convicted of felony before the county justices at Stratford and sentenced to twenty-one days' hard labour; if he is aware that the solicitor for the prosecution read certificates from the clerk of the peace for the county showing that the prisoners were each convicted at the quarter sessions held the previous week on two indictments for burglary, one of the prisoners having then been previously convicted for felony, and stated that there was no power for the justices to convict, as the prisoners had each been previously convicted on indictment; and whether, in view of Section 14 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1879, he will take steps to deal with this sentence and to call the attention of justices to this provision of the law?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have made inquiry in this case and find that no previous convictions were proved before the justices. I am advised that the justices had therefore jurisdiction, with the consent of the prisoners, to deal with the charges, and I see no reason for action on my part.