“THE UNWRITTEN LAW.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3774, 19 September 1907, Page 4

“THE UNWRITTEN LAW.”

Manslaughter “ Justified ” by Mr Justice Darling. “ The unwritten law ” was acted on by Mr Justice Darling in a case heard at the Central Criminal Court, London. Charles Rogers, a carman, of Storey Street, Islington, and his sister, Mrs Jessie Lucas, of North Down Street, Islington, received the nominal sentence of three days’ imprisonment for the manslaughter of John Smith, an ostler. Mrs Lucas had been ill-treated by Smith, with whom she lived, and complained to her brother. The two men met, and Rogers struck Smith, and killed him. Rogers, who pleaded guilt}', was stated to be a peaceful and respectable man. Mrs Lucas was found by the jury to be also guilty, but they recommended her in the strongest terms to mercy. Mr Justice Darling said it was a miserable case, and no one could help being touched by it.

“I cannot,” he added, “ sa)’ that what Rogers did was lawful, but in the circumstances, it was no wonder that he yielded to his sister’s supplication. I shall give effect to the very proper recommendation of the jury by passing a sentence on both of three days’ imprisonment. This entitles them to be discharged at once. ”