Felt Obliged To Give Refuge To Escaper

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31091, 21 June 1966, Page 20

Felt Obliged To Give Refuge To Escaper

(N.Z. Vress Association) AUCKLAND, June 20. The MaoK, custom of hospitality was ttje reason why Richard Skippet had harboured a man who Escaped from the Hamilton police station, Mr W. J. Meade, «.M m was told today. Skipper, aged 21, a driver's assistant, pleaded guilty to receiving and assisting Tukuiua Pihere to avoid arrtst, knowing he had escaped from lawful custody. He was remanded to June 27 for a probation report and sentence. Sergeant E. R. Hutchinson said that at 10 a.m. on Saturday the police went to Skipper’s home at Birkenhead to inquire about Pihere. Immediately the police arrived Skipper darted across the lounge. A wanted man had then been seen to jump from the bathroom window and take off.

It was believed Skipper had warned the wanted man of the policemen’s presence. Skipper had said that when Pihere arrived at his home during the Queen’s Birthday week-end he had not known of the escape from Hamilton. However, he found out later. He “could not bring himself” to inform the police but tried unsuccessfully to convince Pihere to give himself up. Mr C. T. Hart, for Skipper, said accused had felt he would have been breaking his duty to his guest had he reported him to the police.

Skipper was convicted. A charge of obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty was withdrawn.