Series Of Offences By Criminal After Escape From Prison Farm

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 12

Series Of Offences By Criminal After Escape From Prison Farm

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 29. Pleading guilty to 13 charges—five of breaking and entering and committin gtheft, four of vehicle conversion, two of theft, and two of unlawfully escaping from custody—Robert Alfred Horton, aged 23 (Mr Henry), appeared before Mr L. G. H. Sinclair, S.M., in the Auckland Magistrate’s Court today. He was remanded until July 6 for a probation officer’s and psychiatric report.

Detective-Sergeant F. A. Gordon described Horton’s activities from when he was convicted of theft in Auckland on November 30 last year. “While leaving the Court after beins sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment with hard labour, Horton escaped.” said Detective-Sergeant Gordon. “He was recaptured a few minutes later, and for that offence was sentenced to three more months in prison.

“On May 13, at Waikeria Prison Farm. Horton, after he had- finished his day’s work, took a prison utility tnick and drove off. At Ohaupo, he abandoned the vehicle, and took another car valued at £3OO. This he drove to Auckland, and abandoned near Onehunga at midnight. He took an overcoat and rug valued at £l5 from the car. These were recovered. “After walking a short distance, Horton converted another car valued at £9OO. and drove towards Waihi.” said Detective-Sergeant Gordon. “On the way. he stopped at a car wreckers, and changed the number plates. Two days later, at Taneatua. he broke into the store of Robert Selwvn Ricketts, and stole clothing and foodstuffs to the total value of £lO7 13s 3d.

“Horton next went to Ohope Beach, where he rented a bach at the motor camp,” said Detective-Sergeant Gordon. “While driving in the converted car. he was recognised by the police and chased. He took a corner too fast and overturned the car. He escaped uninjured. Damage to the car amounted to £llO.

“After hiding for a few days, Horton next appeared at Whakatane. where he entered the premises of Des. Wood anw Company. There he reassembled the engine of a car valued at £B5O. and took a car radio worth £35. which he fitted into the car. He then filled the car’s petrol tank, stole a raincoat, tools, and a rug to the total value of £5O 17s sd. and drove toward Auckland. Before leaving, he removed the door from a safe and stole £6l 16s 8d in cash. When passing through Thames, he changed the number plates of the stolen car.

“At Ngatea, he broke into the store of Campbell, McLean, Ltd., and stole clothing, groceries, an oil stove, a watch, and a vacuum flask, worth altogether £2B 7s lid,” said DetectiveSergeant Gordon. “Moving to Bethell’s Beach, ho painted the lower half of the car a different colour, and

after two days went to Tuakau. Food, clothing, linen, and kitchen utensils worth £63 3s 8d were stolen when he broke into Wallace Supplies. Ltd., and £l2 in cash and a portable radio valued at £22 were removed from Cave’s Radio Service. Most of these goods have been recovered. Arrest of Accused

“Accompanied by his brother, Leslie, Horton, on the night of June 1, went to Papatoetoe.” said Detective-Sergeant Gordon. “While Horton was away from the car for a few moments, the police arrived, so he escaped while his brother was arrested. He took a bicycle and role along the railway line to Papakura. Outside the military camo he converted a motor-cycle, and rode it to Clevedon.

“The next day. he was found by the police in a caravan not far from Bombay, and arrested.”

Detective-Sergeant Gordon said Horton’s explanation for his escape was that he did not like the prison farm. He said he committed the other offences as they were the only way he could get food and clothing. He submitted quietly to arrest, and gave the police every assistance to clear up the series of offences.

Horton was absent from the prison for 20 days. He stole property valued at £l2ll 8s Id. Goods valued at £937 10s were recovered. Damages to cars and property totalled £l7l. When arrested, Horton had £6O 8s 3d in his possession. said Detective-Sergeant Gordon.