Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror Thursday 20 Aug 1936
Page 7 Column 3
Severn Beach Man Wants to go to Prison on Principle
APPEARING at Bristol Police Court, yesterday, Herbert Charles OATEN (67), of Osborne Road, Severn Beach, said he wished to go to prison for his “principles.”
He was summoned for failing to observe a “halt” sign in the Henbury road on July 29 and also for not having a driving license.
OATEN quietly declared that he did not see the sign and was unaware he had committed any offence.
“I have been driving for 26 years and have had no previous motoring conviction. I admit that my licence had expired.” he said.
When the magistrates announced that he would be fined 10s for failing to observe the sign and 5s for being without a licence he protested.
“What is the alternative? It is a question of principle. I wish to serve a prison sentence for my principles.”
The alternative was six days in prison, with 5s fine for being without a licence.
<NOTES: Herbert Charles OATEN son of Frederick OATEN and Clara HORWOOD, married Maria KNIGHT>