The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 78
The Petitions Committee Justified
The Petitions Committee Justified.
1. | 1887.—Meikle convicted on Lambert's evidence. |
2. | 1895.—Lambert convicted of perjury in respect of that evidence. |
3. | 1907.—Meikle found "Not Guilty" by the Commissioners, and recommended for the grant of a free pardon or the quashing of his conviction. |
4. | 1907.—Lambert's conviction untouched by the Commissioners, though they ruled at the opening that he was equally on his trial with Meikle. |
"That the Committee are of opinion that, after eliminating Lambert's evidence, who has since been convicted and is now serving a sentence for perjury, there was not sufficient evidence adduced at petitioner's trial to warrant his conviction on the charge preferred against him."
As it has been pointed out, the finding of the Commissioners rather more emphatic than a verdict of "Not Guilty," since they say not only that "it would on such a retrial have been proper to acquit the claimant," but also that "'we should have so stated to the jury." Thus the fundamental and only disputed finding of the Petitions Committee is more than justified; and it follows that the recommendations which they based upon it must be carried out.