PRISONER ESCAPES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23716, 14 August 1942, Page 7

PRISONER ESCAPES

RECAPTURED WITHIN HALF-AN-HOUR (P.A.) AUCKLAND, August 13. Five minutes after he had been sentenced in the Supreme Court to five years’ imprisonment for a series of 21 offences, including escaping from custody at Whakatane, Clifford Douglas Keane, aged 27, a labourer, made a sudden dash as he was being put in the prisoners’ van at the back of the Court. Closely pursued by officers in the van. he rushed down Anzac avenue and doubled back into side streets, momentarily eluding his pursuers, but an organised drive resulted in his recapture near the police station within half an hour.

“I warn you if you commit any offence while serving' your sentence, such as attempting to escape, the Court will find its duty to declare you a habitual criminal." was the warning which had been given to Keane by Mr Justice Fair, in passing sentence a few minutes before the escape, Mr Justice Fair said that having regard to 32 previous convictions and the present 21 offences, he had thought it would be necessary to declare Keane a habitual criminal. Consideration would be given, however, to the prisoner’s plea and the sign of repentance by posting back stolen rings. He passed sentences totalling five years.