HC Deb 22 February 1916 vol 80 cc575-6
22. Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a man named Cooper, now serving a term of imprisonment in Armley Gaol, Leeds, for committing a theft while assistant sorting clerk in the Post Office; whether at the time the theft was committed, Cooper had to maintain a wife and five children on 24s. a week, and that he had previously borne a good character; and whether, in view of the fact that Cooper has developed serious heart trouble since being sentenced, and laid fourteen weeks in gaol awaiting trial, he will consider the possibility of counting this period in the sentence of six months' imprisonment?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have carefully considered this case and regret that I do not find any sufficient grounds for recommending a reduction of the sentence.