§ 37. Mr. SORENSENasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Percival Peck, of Leyton, who was acquitted at the Chelmsford Quarter Sessions, on 20th November, after having been previously sentenced to imprisonment at Stratford Police Court; and whether, in view of the evidence and the circumstances of the case, he will secure compensation for this man both for his loss of earnings and for wrongful imprisonment?
§ Mr. LLOYDMy right hon. Friend has obtained particulars of the case to which the hon. Member refers, but he can find no sufficient reason for recommending any payment to the defendant from public funds in respect of his conviction, which was subsequently set aside on appeal to quarter sessions.
§ Mr. SORENSENDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise the gross unfairness and injustice that have been done to this particular man; and is he also aware that he was arrested on 8th October, was not allowed to have any legal assistance and was sentenced on 9th October, the very next day, to three months' imprisonment, served eight days of that imprisonment, and was then released on bail because by that time the police had come to understand that there was a very grave doubt whether the man was guilty; and, in those circumstances, does he not feel that a very grave injustice has been done and that this man is entitled to compensation?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe facts were placed before my right hon. Friend, who does not take the view that this is a case for reimbursement.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that there is a feeling that if this man had been of a different social class he would have been treated differently?
§ Mr. SORENSENOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.