This week 60 years ago: Court tells Highbury dad of nine to stop having children
Islington Gazette: March 29, 1957 - Credit: Archant
An unemployed Highbury man was grilled in court about why he had so many children.
Reginald Deigan, of Petherton Road, was summoned before Highbury Corner magistrates to explain why he didn’t contribute to the cost of keeping his nine kids.
They were said to be costing the taxpayer £3,000 (£66,000 in today’s terms) a year, and resulted in a bizarre exchange in which magistrate Frank Milton suggested visiting the Family Planning Association.
But Mr Deigan was adamant: “No. I like all my children. I am glad I have them.” He added the state would get the money back when they grew up and paid taxes.
Mr Milton responded: “I agree there is nothing better than a large family but it is a bit irresponsible when you are unemployed. You think it’s all right to have any number of children to be kept at £7 a week by the country.”
You may also want to watch:
The case was adjourned.
Most Read
- 1 Former election candidate convicted of having a knife in public
- 2 Letter: 'Highbury Corner is unsafe and unhealthy for pedestrians'
- 3 Green Lanes gang members guilty of killing which sparked tit-for-tat shooting
- 4 Jailed: Man who nearly killed woman in ‘random’ Islington attack
- 5 Islington Council caretaker charged with rape and aggravated burglary
- 6 Jeremy Corbyn on the fuel poverty crisis
- 7 Hundreds arrested after police crackdown on county lines
- 8 Call for action after scooter filmed riding on Islington pavement
- 9 Islington Council to press ahead with people friendly streets - despite disabled pleas
- 10 Guilty: MP Claudia Webbe harassed her partner's female friend, magistrate rules
