Menu
27/03/2006
Reid to reconsider pardon for WWI soldier
Defence Secretary John Reid has said that he will reconsider granting a pardon to a First World War soldier who was executed for cowardice.
The family of Private Henry Farr are seeking the High Court to overturn a government decision to refuse to pardon him posthumously.
Private Henry Farr, of Kensington London was executed by firing squad on October, 2, 1916. However, the 25-year-old, who served with the 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, had been hospitalised for five months, suffering from shell shock.
The family's appeal was rejected by Mr Reid earlier this year on the grounds that it could be conclusively proven that shell shock was behind Pte Farr's refusal to return to the front.
The Farr family, including his 92-year-old daughter Gertrude Harris, have insisted that Pte Farr was not a coward and had been suffering from shell shock.
Families of other British soldiers who were executed for cowardice during the First World War will watch the case closely.
It is estimated that 306 British and Commonwealth soldiers were executed for desertion during the First World War. None have received a pardon.
(KMcA/SP)
The family of Private Henry Farr are seeking the High Court to overturn a government decision to refuse to pardon him posthumously.
Private Henry Farr, of Kensington London was executed by firing squad on October, 2, 1916. However, the 25-year-old, who served with the 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, had been hospitalised for five months, suffering from shell shock.
The family's appeal was rejected by Mr Reid earlier this year on the grounds that it could be conclusively proven that shell shock was behind Pte Farr's refusal to return to the front.
The Farr family, including his 92-year-old daughter Gertrude Harris, have insisted that Pte Farr was not a coward and had been suffering from shell shock.
Families of other British soldiers who were executed for cowardice during the First World War will watch the case closely.
It is estimated that 306 British and Commonwealth soldiers were executed for desertion during the First World War. None have received a pardon.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 August 2006
Government seeks pardon for executed World War I soldiers
The government is seeking Parliamentary approval to pardon more than 300 soldiers executed for military offences, including cowardice and desertion during World War I, it has been announced.
Government seeks pardon for executed World War I soldiers
The government is seeking Parliamentary approval to pardon more than 300 soldiers executed for military offences, including cowardice and desertion during World War I, it has been announced.
31 October 2008
Campaigners Call For Witches Pardon
A petition calling for a posthumous pardon for men and women executed during the UK witch trials is to be handed to the English and Scottish government.
Campaigners Call For Witches Pardon
A petition calling for a posthumous pardon for men and women executed during the UK witch trials is to be handed to the English and Scottish government.
11 October 2012
UK Asked Jordan To Pardon Qatada Court Hears
It has emerged in court that the British government asked the Jordanian authorities to consider pardoning radical cleric Abu Qatada. However, Jordan said that would not be possible and he would have to stand trial there. Jordan also refused a UK request to ensure evidence from torture was not used against him, a judge heard.
UK Asked Jordan To Pardon Qatada Court Hears
It has emerged in court that the British government asked the Jordanian authorities to consider pardoning radical cleric Abu Qatada. However, Jordan said that would not be possible and he would have to stand trial there. Jordan also refused a UK request to ensure evidence from torture was not used against him, a judge heard.
09 September 2009
Jailed Liverpool Fan Granted Pardon
Liverpool fan Michael Shields is set to be released from prison after he was pardoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw. The 22-year-old, who was given a 10-year sentence for the attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria, in 2005, has won a four-and-a-half-year fight to clear his name.
Jailed Liverpool Fan Granted Pardon
Liverpool fan Michael Shields is set to be released from prison after he was pardoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw. The 22-year-old, who was given a 10-year sentence for the attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria, in 2005, has won a four-and-a-half-year fight to clear his name.
02 July 2009
Straw 'Provisionally' Rejects Liverpool Fan's Pardon
A jailed Liverpool football fan has today been provisionally refused a free pardon from the Ministry of Justice. Michael Shields, 22, was jailed for 15 years for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman following the team's victory in the 2005 Champions League final.
Straw 'Provisionally' Rejects Liverpool Fan's Pardon
A jailed Liverpool football fan has today been provisionally refused a free pardon from the Ministry of Justice. Michael Shields, 22, was jailed for 15 years for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman following the team's victory in the 2005 Champions League final.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
