NORMAN THORNE (NON-ATTENDANCE AT INQUEST).

HC Deb 07 May 1925 vol 183 cc1116-7

23. Colonel DAY

asked the Home Secretary if he will explain why permission to attend the inquest on Miss Elsie Cameron, at Crowborough, on 16th April last, was refused Norman Thorne, who was, on 22nd April, executed for the murder of the said Elsie Cameron, in view of the fact that a person accused of another person's death has the right of attending the inquest in the same manner as any other member of the public and of giving evidence if so desired?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Thorne had been convicted of the murder of Miss Elsie Cameron and was under sentence of death. It was, therefore, unnecessary and most undesirable that he should be present at the adjourned proceedings before the coroner.

Colonel DAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the coroner's jury was not at all convinced of Thorne's guilt, and will he—

Mr. SPEAKER

That is not a proper question.