THE LAW'S INEQUALITY.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 281, 30 April 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE LAW'S INEQUALITY.

Ln t sentencing Lord Charles Nevil to five years imprisonment for a crime akin to forgery, a few weeks ago, Mr Justice Lawrence remarked : “If this had bean 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 have IcokeJ in vain, for an extenuating circumstances in the case. It seems to rao to be as bad a case of fraud ns it is possible to conceive. I do not wish to say anything which may unnecessarily add to your punishment. All I would say is, that by your conduct you have brought disgrace and dishonour upon an ancient and honourable name ; you hare brought sorrow and suffering and shame to those who arc near and dear to you, you have forfeited the position which you hold, 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 bo rent to penal servitude for five years.”