On This Day, 22 January 1917

Birmingham Mail

Monday 22nd January 1917

BIRMINGHAM ARTIST FINED.

Charles Howarth (23), newspaper artist, 107, Bloomsbury Street, Birmingham, was before the magistrates in the Third Court of Birmingham Police to-day charged with being an absentee from military service. Detective-sergeant Frank Aingo said that when he arrested Howarth at 10 o’clock this morning prisoner said, “I am a conscientious objector”.

Sergeant Summersley, giving evidence for the military authorities, said Howarth was deemed to be a soldier on June 24 1916, and should have reported for service on January 3.

Defendant, addressing the court, said: “I believe in the teaching of Christ, and I cannot take any part in war.”

Mr. Arnold Britler (presiding magistrate): Have you been before the tribunal? Defendant: Yes.

Mr. Butler: Did they give you non-combatant service?— Defendant: No; they refused my appeal.

Mr. Butler: The court have no jurisdiction over that matter. You will be fined 40s. and committed awaiting an escort.