The Law's Inequality.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9047, 20 April 1898, Page 4

The Law's Inequality.

Ih sentencing Lord Charles Nevill to five years imprisonment for a crime akin to forgery, a few weeks ago, Mr Justice Lawrence remarked : "If this had been the case of some wretched city clerk with a family of seven children, who had suffered some great loss, and in his. straits had helped himself from his master's till, I am afraid there would be nobody to speak for him. It is said that in your position any punishment passed upon you would be felt more keenly than by one in a humbler position. I wish to point out to you. and to others, that the higher the position the greater the responsibility. It is said, and this comes most close to my heart, that what you have done will bring sorrow on those connected with you. I have looked, _ and^ I am sorry to say I have looked in vain, for any extenuating circumstances in the case. It seems to me to be as bad a case of fraud as it is possible to conceive. Ido not wish to say anything which may unnecessarily add to your punishment. All 1 would say is, that by your conduct yon have brought disgrace and dishonour upon an ancient and honourable name ; you have brought sorrow and suffering and shame to those who are near and dear to you, you have forfeited the position which you held, and which would have been a guarantee of your honesty at least, if not of your honour. Your crime has been great, your sentence must be severe, and that is that you be sent to penal servitude for five years."