POLICE METHODS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20150, 19 May 1928, Page 7

POLICE METHODS

HYDE PARK INCIDENT Third-Degree Tactics Criticised In Commons MISS SAVAGE AS WITNESS [By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright ] [ Australian Press Assn, j LONDON, May 17. Sir William Joynson-Hicks, m answer to Mr Johnston's question, said that after an investigation of all the material he had referred to the public prosecutor the question of whether the constable in the Sir Chiozza Money case was guilty of giving falsa evidence. The director of public prosecutions had reported that following the normal procedure, the statement tax.cn from Miss Savage was simply in the capacity of witness. Mr Johnston: Are you aware that the girl was refused permission to go home before being questioned; that she was repeatedly warned that she must not tell anyone she had been to Scotland Yard or made a statement, and that th'e. woman police officer was removed from the room, while third degree methods were used 1 ? Sir W. Joynson-Hicks: The inspector saw Miss Savage at two o’clock in the afternoon. She was taken to Scotland Yard in a motor car by a woman inspector and given t.ea. Her mother was telephoned and told th'ht there was no cause for anxiety. The girl was taken home at eight o’clock. Cries of ‘ ‘ shame,” “disgraceful."

Sir William Joynson-Hicks: I have been givflu all the information obtained from the director of prosecutions. I certainly am not aware that the girl fainted. Mr MacDonald: Do you think this method of getting evidence and of handling witnesses is a step for which you are not responsible, whether done by the director of prosecutions or anyone else?

Sir W. Joynson-Hicks: I recognise the police acted wrongly towards the girl. lam ultimately responsible, but at the same time I do not diesire to prejudice action by an independent officer like the director of prosecutions. I promise the fullest investigations into the allegations.