America’s most famous fugitive surrenders

Press, 6 September 1980, Page 9

America’s most famous fugitive surrenders

NZPA-Reuter New York Americas most famous fugitive, the former “yippie” leader, Abbie Hoffman, has given himself up after sixyears on the. run to face drug-sale charges that carry penalties of life imprisonment ■ . ; • ■ . . After a brief court hearing Hoffman was released ■ without bail and ordered to appear in court on September 15 for trial. The prosecutor. Sterling Johnson, said outside the ■ courtroom that he had no lintention of reducing the [drug possession and sale charges against Hoffman, The charges carry a maximum of life imprisonment.

| Hoffman flashed a V-for-i victory sign after a Manhattan Supreme Court Judge, 'Milton Williams, released him without bail. The 43-year-old former ; anti-Vietnam radical civil? [ rights worker and hippie [leader was brought into the : court in handcuffs. As reporters crowded around the [group of security men I guarding him, he said, ‘Tin [glad to be in New York. I [always like to be in New [York.” • i Hoffman was one of those [acquitted in the “Chicago I Seven” conspiracy trial in 1968, which followed 'the [violent demonstrations at ithe Democratic Party con-

■ vention in the city that year. He was a leader of the so- ,| called “yippie” community .which staged several spectacular stunts to protest i against the Vietnam war. [(The name “yippie” came ifrom the Youth International! Party set up by Hoffman in -the 605.) ■i Hoffman jumped bail in |1974 to escape prosecution .[on charges of possessing co- [ caine. : After giving himself up, (he told reporters he would i have surrendered earlier but he had become involved in [an environmental project to [save the St Lawrence Seaiway.