Justices Justice... A poor man named Cave was recently committed to Berkhampstead gaol by Rev. Mr. Mountain, a Herts magistrate, on a charge of barking trees, an offence which amounted to felony, if the injury done was to the extent of 20s. or upwards. The evidence for the prosecution was exceedingly vague; but, not withstanding, the reverend justice committed the poor man for re-examination at the end of seven days, directing that he should be kept upon bread and water during that time. On being brought before the petty sessions, he was immediately discharged. For that imprisonment an action was brought against the Rev. Mr. Mountain; but at the trial Lord Abinger told the jury that this magistrate was justified in committing the plaintiff for re-examination; but left it for them to say whether the period of seven days was excessive. The jury, acting upon his lordships dictum, found the verdict for the defendant. We presume that the rev. justice, because he is rich and powerful, will beat the poor man; but we wish to know by what authority a man, not convicted, was kept in prison for seven days on a diet inferior to that allowed to already convicted felons? (The Champion, Apr 1840).
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 21:37:23 +0000
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