HC Deb 10 March 1960 vol 619 c627
35. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, having regard to the circumstances of the case of Mr. J. Skehan, now in Parkhurst Prison, if he will refer this case to the Court of Criminal Appeal under Section 19 of the Criminal Appeal Act, 1907.

Mr. R. A. Butler

No material has been placed before me which would justify me in referring this case to the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Mr. Thomas

Since the Minister is aware that I have had a very long correspondence with him about this case, and since Mr. Skehan has mentioned that there are very serious discrepancies in the depositions of the case, would the right hon. Gentleman now give further consideration to an examination of the depositions to see whether or not justice would be done by allowing this man to have the right of appeal?

Mr. Butler

It lies within my power to take the course suggested by the hon. Gentleman, but I must say that, examining the material before me, I have not been able to reach the conclusion which he desires. Mr. Skehan is at present an appellant, and has recently applied for an extension of time in which to give notice of appeal against a previous conviction in 1947. While the hon. Member can certainly send me any material he desires, I would rather make no further comment.