§ 18. Mr. T. SMITH (for Mr. LUNN)asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a charge of housebreaking against William Davies, aged 22, of Leopold Street, Leeds, was dismissed by the Mansfield magistrates last week because of mistaken identity; and whether or not any compensation has been or is to be paid to this man?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have made inquiries and find that Davies was arrested as answering the description of a man who 2863 was wanted for an offence and he was identified by three witnesses. A subsequent offence of a similar character led to the arrest of another man whose appearance closely corresponded with that of Davies, and this man was identified by the witnesses who had previously identified Davies. As it was clear that Davies had been wrongly identified, he was immediately informed that on his next appearance in Court application would be made for leave to withdraw the charge aginst him, and this was done. The Bench in discharging Davies made it clear that the case was one of mistaken identity and the expenses incurred by him in attending the Court were paid by the police.