A Soldier before the Courts

This article appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette on 25th July 1917.
The soldier obviously thought he was hard done by, but the magistrate was more concerned about his ‘state of mine.’

"The Justice of a Soldier

"William Riley, on remand, was charged with being an absentee. He was a private in the Canadian regiment, and had been stationed at Seaford.

Police-constable Morris said he saw the prisoner, who was unshaven, and asked him if he had a pass, to which he replied, “I am a discharged soldier; I don’t want a pass.” He did not believe the prisoner whom he arrested. He had a dandy brush and two curry combs in his possession at the time.

The Chief Constable (Major Teale) said he had not been able to find out anything about the prisoner and requested a further remand for another week.

Prisoner – “Can I have the justice of a soldier?”

The Magistrates Clerk (Mr. E.O Langham) – “Certainly.”

Prisoner – “Then can I smoke in my cell? I am entitled to a smoke. A burglar gets a smoke.”

The Mayor said a remand would be granted, and prisoner must obey the police regulations. It was ordered that his state of mind should be enquired into."