PRISON ESGAPEE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 182, 3 August 1944, Page 6

PRISON ESGAPEE

Further sentence

ADDITION OF THREE YEARS

"I would like you to consider that for 18 months I had been closely confined with only one hour's exercise a day," pleaded Herbert Harris Keith Maxfield, wnen he came before Mr. Justice Fair to-day for sentence for having escaped from the Auckland gaol. The prisoner went on to speak of the lack of any form of entertainment or recreation, and the monotony, without a proper understanding of those in charge to make allowance for misdemeanours under such conditions. He did not think the system helped to bring out the best in the prisoners, who should have greater consideration from those placed over them. Personally he had made a bid for liberty, but not with the intention of carrying on a career of crime. His Honor remarked that the prisoner's able and eloquent appeal showed that, despite his present condition and record,, he was able to make a dispassionate view of his circumstances. The fairness of what the prisoner said was recognised, added his Honor, .by the gaol administration which did its best to avoid giving prisoners a warped and distorted outlook on life. At the same time the prisoners had to co-operate, and Maxfield, after his latest exploit, would have difficulty in satisfying the Prisons Board of his expressed intention of reforming. The only way he could do that would be by good behaviour. He had made a desperate escape from prison and for that three years' additional imprisonment would be added to his present sentence.