33. Sir C. Granville Gibsonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that during the recent trial, at the Leeds Assizes, of Jesse Peel on a charge of murder serious allegations were made that the police had used third degree methods of extorting evidence whilst the accused was merely under suspicion; whether the police are instructed or permitted to use such methods; and will he cause an inquiry to be made into this matter?
§ Sir S. HoareI beg to apologise for the length of the answer. I am aware that such allegations were made and were denied and I have caused inquiries to be made about the matter, and am informed that the facts are as follows: The police who were making inquiries about the death of Mrs. Peel, told Peel that there were certain questions which they wished to ask him and he replied that he would answer any questions they wished. As he admitted in evidence, he voluntarily accompanied the police to Otley police station. He was cautioned and was invited to give an explanation of traces of human blood which had been found on his clothing. At the trial Peel alleged that the statement which was taken from him was obtained by improper methods, though he said he did not know which of the officers concerned was guilty of the alleged misconduct, but he admitted that he read the statement over several times and was given every opportunity to alter it and that he signed the statement. The statement contained a sentence in Peel's own handwriting in the following terms: 1376
I have read the above, which is quite true.The allegations made by Peel against the conduct of the police were denied on oath by the police officers concerned, who were subjected to severe cross-examination but persisted in their denials. The Chief Constable of the West Riding informs me that in view of the allegations made against the police he made further inquiries into the matter, as a result of which he is satisfied that these allegations were quite unfounded. The Judges' rules were formulated for the purpose of explaining to police officers engaged in the investigation of crime the conditions under which courts would be likely to admit in evidence statements made by persons suspected of, or charged with, crime. The effect of these rules has been fully explained in a circular issued to the police by the Home Office. The police officers in question were fully acquainted with these rules, and I can find no ground for thinking that they failed to observe them.
Sir C. Granville GibsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public mind is greatly exercised in the West Riding over these serious allegations, and will he not cause a special inquiry to be made from the Home Office again into this matter, in order to clear the police of the suspicion that these allegations are true; or, on the other hand, if they are true, give instructions that these methods of extorting evidence should cease at once?
§ Sir S. HoareI have made very careful inquiries from the Chief Constable in the West Riding, and I have also made a personal investigation into the case, and I am satisfied that there is no ground for the allegations made against the police.