Wickliffe named in escape attempt

Press, 21 July 1988, Page 6

Wickliffe named in escape attempt

PA Auckland Dean Wickliffe — the only man to escape from Paremoremo maximum security prison — is believed to have plotted to break out of Mount Eden jail this month; prison staff say.

Staff uncovered the escape planned by Wickliffe and another inmate during searches of their cells. A knife and a rope were found in Wickliffe’s cell and a rope in the other man’s. Guards also found mesh cut in the fence of the exercise yard used by the two prisoners. Wickliffe, held at Mount Eden awaiting sentence next week on a charge of aggravated robbery, was under “special observation,” said the prison superintendent, Mr Humphrey Stroud. Wickliffe, aged 39, admitted having possession of the knife and rope when he appeared at an

internal disciplinary hearing.

His fellow inmate, whom staff declined to name, denied a charge of possessing a rope made from bedding. He will appear before another hearing later this year.

Mr Stroud said it seemed likely Wickliffe was planning to escape.

“But I have some doubts as to whether he would have succeeded.” Wickliffe was not charged with attempting to escape because of difficulties in proving he was responsible for slashing the fence in the remand prisoners’ yard. Wickliffe was punished for the offences, but Mr Stroud would not give details.

Under the Penal Institutions Act, jail chiefs or visiting judges can order inmates to be confined in cells or lose privileges if found with unlawful items.