First Death Sentence Under New British Rule

Grey River Argus, 22 April 1948, Page 3

First Death Sentence Under New British Rule

LONDON, April 20,

“The sentence of the court is the sentence prescribed by law, namely that vou suffer death 'by hanging',” said the judge at Old Bailey sentencing an army deserter, Donald George aged 22, who was found guilty of the murder of Constable Nathaniel Edgar in a north London suburb on February 13. The judge did not wear the black cap. The chaplain, who normally stands behind the judge to' utter “amen,” remained sitting in the court. Thomas is the first man sentenced since the new Bill was passed. It is understood the judge’s words will replace the customary formula until the Bill becomes law. Death Penalty Complications LONDON, April 21 The Commons vote against the death penalty for murder, carried chiefly by the Labour members, has led the British Government to announce that no death sentences will be executed at any rate until the Criminal Justice Bill has been passed. Meanwhile, however, the Government are in an awkward position as' regards the Bill when it comes before the Lords. If they there continue to advocate the retention of the death penalty they will incur the displeasure of most of their party. But if. as it seems likely, they accept the Common verdict, the Lords, with their Conservative majority, may over-ride both them and the Commons and delete the clause. Lord Salisbury has already cited this as one of those doubtful cases where he claims that the Lords are entitled to give the electorate a chance to reverse the Commons’ decision. In this case they would apparently be doing the Government a favour/