Context Note: Alexander Morgan was still in HMP Dartmoor by 1901.
THE GAINSBOROUGH POISONING CASE.
PROPOSED REVISION OF SENTENCE.
Alexander Morgan, of Gainsborough, who was sentenced to 12 years’ penal servitude at the Lincoln Assizes, in November, by Judge Kennedy, for having poisoned by strychnine his boon companion, Tom Morley, a Hull grocer, who died in terrible agony, has a chance of being released before the expiration of his term of imprisonment. The judge summed up greatly in favour of the prisoner not having been actuated by malice aforethought, and on his being found guilty of manslaughter the sentence of 12 years’ penal servitude was thought a severe one. Petitions were at once set on foot for the remission of the sentence, and the following letter has been received by Messrs. Robbs and Forrest, of Gainsborough, the prisoner’s solicitors, from the Home Office:-
“Whitehall, 17th May, 1893. – Gentlemen, – With reference to your letter of the 15th March last, forwarding a petition from John F. Morgan, Trinity-street, Gainsborough, praying for the reduction of the sentence of 12 years’ penal servitude, passed at the Lincoln Assizes, on the 24th November, 1892, upon his brother, Alexander Morgan, for the manslaughter of Thomas Morley, with a letter from Mr. Henry Stanger, counsel who defended the prisoner, supporting this prayer, I am directed by the Secretary of State to inform you that, after careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case, and communication with the learned judge, he has felt justified in directing that prisoner’s case shall be brought under review when he shall have served five years of his sentence. It must, however, be understood that no pledge or promise is given as to the decision which may be arrived at when that time comes. – I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, E. LEIGH PEMBERTON.”
(Lincolnshire Echo, 26th May 1893)
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