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Your Lordship..... will see the prisoner Karim was technically "an old offender though only twenty years of age, for he had been six times in prison, including three convictions for returning from deportation
I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's Most Obedient humble servant,
Pope Hennessy Governor.
Record of
Hi China Mail - 20th September 1877.
SUPREME COURT.
IN CRIMINAL SESSIONS. (Before His Lordship the Chief Justice, Sir JOHN SMALE.)
20th September, 1877.
RETURNING FROM DEPORTATION.
Regina v. Chun Afook.
The prisoner was indicted for having returned from deportation, and to this he pleaded guilty.
It appeared that the prisoner had been six times in gaol, three of which were for returning from deportation.
In passing sentence his Lordship said there had been a great mistake about these deportations, and he would take the opportunity to let the Chinese know. His Lordship knew of no person returning from deportation under a proper instrument who could escape punishment. As regards one case which had previously come before the Court they took a great deal of trouble about it and it was found that the document of deportation was not in order. Mr Justice Snowden thought it was otherwise, but as the Chief Justice's voice prevailed, the man was let go, but it was not because people could not be punished for returning." If any one was to blame for the leniency thus shewn, it was his. But let the prisoner be informed that so far as the prisoner was concerned, the document for his deportation was in perfect order, and his Lordship believed there was not a flaw in it. It was now, therefore, only left to his Lordship to inflict on the prisoner the punishment which his infamous character deserved.
This was the third time he had returned from deportation. It was wretched to see a man so young as the prisoner was - described as 22 years of age, but who appeared younger - entering a career of life like this. The prisoner was then sent to one year's hard labour.
The Sessions were then adjourned till Monday next, the 24th, at 10 a.m.
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