HC Deb 08 July 1958 vol 591 cc172-4
5. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland who authorised the release of Robert Stevenson from Hart-wood Mental Hospital in January, 1956; as he was a criminal lunatic, why no action was taken when he failed for seven months to report; and, in view of the murder of Mrs. Janet Dykes by Robert Stevenson, following his release, what steps have been taken to prevent premature releases of criminal lunatics.

Mr. Maclay

In September, 1955, Robert Stevenson, following a charge of indecent assault, was admitted to Hart-wood Hospital under the ordinary mental health laws.

After full consideration of a report from the hospital, the General Board of Control authorised his release on probation in January, 1957, on condition that he attended an out-patient clinic at three-monthly intervals. He duly attended in March and July, but postponed for a week an appointment arranged for 9th October on the ground that he had a cold. On 12th October, he was seen by a Deputy Commissioner of the General Board of Control who found nothing to suggest that he should not remain on probation. He was arrested in connection with a murder that took place on 14th October, found insane and unfit to plead, and committed during Her Majesty's pleasure to the State Mental Hospital.

What happened in this case is very regrettable, but after reviewing all the circumstances I am not convinced that there is need for any change in the procedure for dealing with cases of this kind.

Mrs. Mann

Is not the Secretary of State convinced that there is something wrong about the examination of the Board of Control if, as he says, the Board examined the man in September? Has the right hon. Gentleman read any of the evidence submitted to him, wherein the medical specialists, Dr. Iry McKenzie and Dr. Angus McNiven, state that this man has always been a dangerous criminal lunatic? Lord Sorn had to reinforce that statement in the High Court when he recommitted him.

Mr. Maclay

The procedure followed by the Board of Control before granting a parole is very careful indeed, but I am paying very close attention to this case and to what the hon. Lady has said.