Shrimplin, Christopher Leith

Shrimplin, Christopher Leith, (33), Salisbury Ave, Preston, North Shields man, electrical storekeeper, Jehovah Witness since 10/39, father a member 14 or 15 years, Judge Richardson complained of the large numbers who suddenly joined JWs soon after start of the war, NE 17/9/40 rejected, SDN 17/9/40 p4; DAT 5/5/41 appeal refused, now (34) preaching gospel more important than work as shipyard storekeeper, but could not be full time preacher as wife & child to support, wife opposed f/t preaching, only preached 3 hours last week, NEC 5/5/41 p5, SDN 5/5 p4; NEPCT 21/11/41 25 days prison for not paying £3 fine for refusing medical & committed to Quarter Sessions, ‘ignored any law placed above God’s law’ SDN 21/11/41 p4; Newcastle Quarter Sessions 6/1/42 now 34, CO registered 20/7/40, rejected at LT 9/40, rejection upheld at AT 5/41, fined £3 for refusing medical 11/41 & served 25 days prison instead of fine, now given 18 months prison for still refusing medical & would still be liable to call up after that, claimed Scriptures prevented him complying with law, Recorder said ‘man of good character’ but good that ‘very few Englishmen think as you do’ SDN 6/1/42 p4; Newcastle Recorder Godfrey Russell Vick clarified that  Shrimplin not sentenced as a CO but as  a man contravening the National Services (Armed ) Act, having had his CO appeal rejected, NJ 8/1/42 p3; Refused medical; Newcastle QS, 6/1/42, 18 mths HL;  Northern Appellate, 23/4/42, appeal after prison sentence refused, PPU records