§ 48. Mr. REMERasked the Home Secretary why William Sidebotham, charged at the Chester Assizes on the charge of murder, has been removed to Broad-moor Asylum as a criminal lunatic, when the coroner's jury have returned a verdict of accidental death; and why in this case a lunatic is retained as a criminal when the coroner's jury have brought in a verdict that he is not the cause of the death?
§ Mr. CLYNESHe was removed to Broadmoor because the Assize Jury found him insane upon arraignment without determining the issue of commission of murder, and because the Court ordered his detention until His Majesty's further pleasure be known. This is the course authorised long ago by Parliament and never since seriously questioned. With regard to the verdict of the coroner's jury, it is not for me to comment upon the finding of any Court, but I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 20th instant.
§ Mr. REMERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man has several sons and daughters and that by his action the right hon. Gentleman at the present moment is making their father a criminal, whereas the coroner's jury say that he is not?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe whole circumstances of the case were before the Court at the time when they reached their decision; and, as I have said, I can make no comment on their action.
§ Mr. REMERIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this man stated that he had cut his wife's throat, whereas it was not cut at all?
§ Mr. LAWRIEHas the right hon. Gentleman received any representations in connection with this matter, and, if so, of what nature?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes, I have received communications from the hon. Member himself, to which I am giving full consideration. Before long, I will give him a considered reply.
Dr. DAVIESCan the Home Secretary say whether the decision of an assize court is superior to that of a coroner's jury?
§ Mr. CLYNESIt is quite independent of it.