Plaid Cymru AMs Lindsay Whittle and Jocelyn Davies have tabled a Statement of Opinion in the National Assembly calling for the iconic “working class hero” Dic Penderyn to be pardoned.
They are supporting an application made to the UK Justice Secretary, Michael Gove, by solicitors instructed by Beryl Astbury and Pamela Lewis, descendants of Dic Penderyn, real name Richard Lewis.
Lewis was executed in Cardiff in 1831 following the Merthyr Riots.
Lindsay Whittle, Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East, said: “While more than 180 years have passed since Dic Penderyn was hanged, I feel it is important that the State recognises a wrong was done here. It is important justice is done.
“He is a hero for many people and I’ve been proud to join marches to commemorate the Merthyr Riots.
“I hope that this petition for a pardon is success. Richard Lewis was a hero not a murderer.”
Fellow Plaid Cymru AM Jocelyn Davies said: “Dic Pendeyrn was a working class hero and there is strong evidence that he was wrongly hanged for the murder of a soldier after a trial lasting just a single day.
“I hope Mr Gove will look favourably on the petition by Richard Lewis’ descendants.”
Dic Penderyn, on the balance of probabilities, did not stab Thomas Black who was a soldier. Also he was probably not involved in the riots at all. He was unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
All this is known, everyone who ever knew him is long dead so why bother with a meaningless pardon? Dic Penderyn was a victim of legalised murder and is in the company of thousands of others, he was probably not a hero nor was he likely guilty of stabbing a soldier engaged the course of his duty. I am sure that Michael Gove has bigger fish to fry and should ignore this.
Dic Penderyn, on the balance of probabilities, did not stab Thomas Black who was a soldier. Also he was probably not involved in the riots at all. He was unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
All this is known, everyone who ever knew him is long dead so why bother with a meaningless pardon? Dic Penderyn was a victim of legalised murder and is in the company of thousands of others, he was probably not a hero nor was he likely guilty of stabbing a soldier engaged the course of his duty. I am sure that Michael Gove has bigger fish to fry and should ignore this.
How about sorting out the NHS?
Not for Gove to do, different department. Also the Welsh NHS is run by the crowd in the Welsh Assembly, nothing to do with Westminster governent. I do agree with you though, it does need sorting.
I am not referring to michael gove but the AM’s in the assembly!!
I’m sorry I stand corrected Jan, I read this as a reply to my comment.
Jan7,
I agree. Seems like Lindsey is off on one of his tangents again – didn’t he instigate a debate on Trident recently as well – instead of doing his job!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3148460/Senior-doctor-urges-Welsh-NHS-improve-medical-training-unimaginable-mistakes-prior-mother-s-death.html
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/05/ban-nhs-doctors-from-private-work-hospital-consultant-says