Escaper’s term quashed

Press, 14 May 1981, Page 5

Escaper’s term quashed

A man who attempted to give himself up to the police on several occasions because ■he had escaped from Ton(gariro Prison on November •8, 1974. has had his prison 'term imposed on the escaping charge quashed and he will be released immedjatelv.

In the High Court yesterday Mr Justice Roper upheld an appeal by Raymond Samuel Robin, aged 30. a leather worker, against a sentence of two months imprisonment imposed byJudge McAloon in the District Court on March 18 on the charge of escaping.

Mr M. J. Knowles .appeared for Robin, and Mr A. M. Mclntosh for the Crown.

. His Honour said that in the (normal course it would be impossible to say that the

sentence was either manifestly excessive or inappropriate. but this was a special case.

The escape took place some six years ago and surprisingly was only two months before Robin was due for release. He failed to return to prison after being given week-end leave.

Robin absconded to Australia where he was ultimately- sentenced to five years imprisonment for burglary and other offences. While in prison he taught himself leather work and became advanced enough to set up some kind of prison industry in leathercraft. He was encouraged by the prison authorities.

"He actually set up a number of leather shops within prisons and some glowing testimonials have been presented from prison officers and social workers

in Australia." his Honour said.

After being deported back to New Zealand Robin attempted to give himself up to the police on several occasions. It seemed that the authorities were disinterested in him and it was really at counsel's urging that a charge of escaping was laid. In New Zealand Robin had found himself a place to live and had established a leathercraft business working from a fully equipped workshop.

"I am satisfied that in the unusual circumstances the sentence of two months imprisonment was inappropriate. It seems that he has already served almost a month of the sentence. The appeal is allowed with effect that he is to be released immediately,” said his Honour.