Matich escapes from Oakley

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33517, 24 April 1974, Page 14

Matich escapes from Oakley

GV Z Press Association)

AUCKLAND. April 23. A prisoner with convictions for violence walked out of the security wing at Oakley Hospital tonight after opening his ceil door with a.key.

The police cordoned the! Point Chevalier district shortly before 9.30 p,m. after the prisoner, Frank Matich,' made his escape. Staff saw Matich. walking; through corridors and chased' him. He was .seen by one nurse to be carrying a key. The police said staff chased; Matich through the hospital' grounds for some time before losing sight of him. Tracker dogs followed a long trail 'to near the inter-

section of Great North Road and Blockhouse Bay Road, where scent petered out. Late tonight there had been ' no confirmed sightings of the ( prisoner. Matich, aged 35, appeared in the Auckland Magistrate’s Court on February 15 ithis year on charges of dis- ! orderly behaviour and wilful damage. He was remanded to Oakley Hospital under Section 39 (G) of the Criminal Justice Act,

He has a long history of violence and, according to the police, should not be approached under any circumstances. 4

It is Matich’s third escape. In October, 1962, he broke away from a working party outside Mount Eden Prison and was recaptured nine days later. Only three months later, he escaped with three other prisoners from the gaol after a ■prison officer was knocked out, tied and gagged. Matich .was recantured four days ! later at Whatawhata.

Matich is 6ft lin wiry, with a swarthy complexion. He. was wearing a black poloneck jersey and black; trousers when last seen.