§ Mr. THOMAS RICHARDSONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mark Kirkton, who was sentenced at the Blyth petty sessions to three months imprisonment for theft; whether he is aware that the man pleaded guilty and stated that he was in bad circumstances, that the bailiffs were about to take possession on account of rent owing, and that he was not in his right senses when he committed the theft; whether he is also aware that the police evidence bore out that the man was in poor circumstances, that his wife was in poor health, and that there were five children; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will consider the possibility of reducing the sentence?
§ Mr. McKENNAMy attention had not been called to this case before my hon. Friend's question appeared on the Paper yesterday. I am making inquiry, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result.