§ 107. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the arrest and detention in prison for 111W more than two months by the Portuguese authorities of Edward John Bentley, a British Merchant Navy seaman.
Mr. McNeilOn 6th July at Lisbon, Mr. Bentley, a merchant seaman, was involved in an incident in the course of which a policeman's revolver fell into the water. Bentley was charged with attempted homicide of a policeman. The charge was reduced from "homicide" to "obstructing the authorities and causing damage." His Majesty's Ambassador was authorised to advance bail from public funds and the Portuguese authorities were pressed to expedite formalities. On 13th September, Mr. Bentley was released on bail of £100.
The trial took place on 7th October. Mr. Bentley pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, a fine of £20, payment of £5 for the loss of the policeman's revolver, and about £3 Court fees. The fine was remitted in view of the defendant's lack of means and the prison sentence was waived as having already been served. Throughout the case Mr. Bentley was assisted by a Portuguese lawyer, nominated by the Ambassador's honorary legal advisers. A member of the Embassy staff was present at the trial and an employee of the British Consulate acted as interpreter. Mr. Bentley was repatriated by air.