§ Mr. M'CURDYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Joseph Turland, who was convicted at the county Petty Sessions held at Northampton on the 11th instant of being on certain land at Great Billing in search of game; and whether, seeing that there was no evidence that Turland had ever been seen off the high road, and that he has borne an excellent character, he will inquire into the case?
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§ Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITHMy right hon. Friend has made inquiry in the case, but finds no sufficient reason for interference in the prisoner's favour. The conviction was, I understand, not for trespass in search of game, but under the Poaching Prevention Act, so that it was not necessary to prove that defendant was seen off the high road. The question whether the evidence was sufficient to establish the charge might have been raised on an appeal. I am informed that an intimation was given that there would be an appeal, but this was not proceeded with. I may add that this was the prisoner's second conviction.