§ 57. Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary whether he will give particulars respecting the 320 prosecutions for offences in connection with public meetings or demonstrations during the past 12 months, both as to their nature and the penalties inflicted?
§ Sir S. HoareThe bulk of these cases resulted in charges of insulting words and behaviour, obstructing the police and assault. In 27 cases, sentences of imprisonment were imposed; in 149, there were fines of varying amount; 32 were dismissed with or without an order for payments of costs; four are still outstanding; and in the remainder the defendants were bound over, or dealt with under the Probation of Offenders Act.