The arrest was made in consequence of information received from the military on Saturday. Dobbing had been in Class W of the Army Reserve, and was ordered to rejoin the colours on April 12th, but failed to do so. He was a conscientious objector, and had refused to do work set him.
When asked by the Bench if he had anything to say the accused replied, 'I think I can say it is time the British public imitated the Russians, and liberated all their political prisoners. I have committed no crime. The Prisoner was remanded to await an escort.
Source : Newcastle Daily Journal Tuesday 17/04/1917