‘Standovers lead to escapes’

Press, 13 February 1982, Page 4

‘Standovers lead to escapes’

Two stabbing incidents and standover tactics by some of the inmates had resulted in a number of escapes from Rolleston Prison, according to statements made by counsel in the District Court this week.

Glenn Raymond Larson, aged 29. had his term of imprisonment increased' by three months on a charge of escaping from Rolleston Prison when he appeared for sentence before Judge Bradford yesterday. The police statement said that Larson was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in the District Court at Timaru on October 19 on numerous charges of burglary and unlawfully taking cars. On the night of December 4. 1981. Larson escaped from Rolleston Prison and he gave himself up to the Timaru police on December 11.

Larson claimed that he had been harassed by other prisoners at Rolleston and decided to escape because he feared for his life. He could give no real reason why the other prisoners were against him. He went to Timaru to see his wife and children. He had a long list of convictions.

Mr M. J. Glue, for Larson, said that it was a sad fact that there had been two stabbing incidents at Rolleston Prison and that had motivated a number of escapes. It could be that Larson had been the prey of inmates with stronger personalities who had subjected him to mental torture. It was a genuine fear which

motivated his escape and the offence did not call for a cumulative term of imprisonment.

Larson had given himself up and had not made desperate attempts to stay at liberty. He would suffer a loss of privileges. Mr Glue said. The Judge said that Larson. who was serving his ninth term of imprisonment was at liberty for five days. He knew full well what the consequences of his escape would be. IMPRISONMENT A - term of six months imprisonment and 12 months on probation was imposed on Patrick John Williams who appeared on a burglary charge and a possession of cannabis charge. Williams, aged 23. had previously admitted the offences. When found by a security officer at Pacific Metal Industries' premises in McAlpine Avenue on January 3 Williams had several hundred dollars of goods stacked ready to load into his car. Williams (Mrs Rotheram) had frequently appeared before the Court, said the Judge. ON BAIL Joseph Governor Pahau. aged 17. unemployed, was remanded on bail on one charge of aggravated robbery of a $3lOO motor-cycle when he appeared on Tuesday. It was incorrectly reported yesterday that Pahau was remanded in custody on more than one charge.