“THE PRISONER’S RETURN”

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1928, Page 3

“THE PRISONER’S RETURN”

INCIDENT AT GREYMOUTH GAOL A bottle of beer (unopened), and a newspaper parcel, were laid on the table at the Greymouth Court this morning. When the paper was re-moved,-there were displayed a couple of saveloys, some slices of meat, and a generous helping of potatoes and onions. They constituted the “atmosphere” in a story which might appropriately be entitled, “The Prisoner’s Return; or, What Might Have Been.” The time: Nearly midnight. Scene: The Greymouth Gaol. A dimly outlined form,- creeping around the building, is noticed by the ever-vigilant eye of Sergeant J. Smyth. Action! The in'trader bolts, with the Sergeant in close pursuit. The chase is short, and the unknown is soon “safe in the arms of a policeman, safe in the Greymouth Gaol” Then, between the bars outside one of the cell windows, are found the bottle and the parcel. The next scene was enacted in Court this morning, when John McDermott, alias Patrick McDermott, took the role of the captive. He was charged (1) With being a rogue and vagabond within the meaning of the Police Offences Act, 1927, in that he was found by night, without lawful excuse on the enclosed premises of the Greymouth Gaol; and (2) that, in breach of the Prisons Act, 1928, and the regulations thereunder, he did attempt to deliver to a prisoner in the Greymouth Prisor® Joshua Thomas Carson, a parcel of food. Messrs. P. H. Kilgour and A. Naylor, Justices of the Peace, heard the case. McDermott pleaded not guilty to both and elected to be dealt with summarily. “I would like to ask his Worship would he grant me a remand until I get legal advice,” added prisoner. “Has he been in gaol?” asked Mr Kil-

gour. This was the cue for Senior-Sergeant C. E. Roach to tell the story. “HejWas discharged from gaol on Wednesday, after serving seven days for the unlawful conversion of a bicycle. He was found in the gaol yard about 11.30 last night by Sergeant Smyth. The parcel of.food was found between the bars of the cell occupied by one of the prisoners.” Mr. Kilgour: Did you lock him up?— He ran away, but was caught by the Sergeant. Did he ask this morning to be represented by a solicitor? —No. Mr. Kilgour (to McDermott): Why did you not ask the police, instead of waiting until now?” “Your Honour,” replied McDermott, “I had not just decided on which way I would plead. I think I would like to get legal advice on the matter.” The Senior-Sergeant stated that, according to one of the constables McDermott refused last night to discuss the matter, and said he would plead not guilty to whatever he was charged with. He had evidently made up his mind last night. “I saw him this morning,” added the Senior-Sergeant, “but he made no mention of wanting counsel.” Mr. Kilgour, after consulting with Mr. Naylor, announced that they thought McDermott had a right to be represented by counsel, as he had expressed that wish. “We have no objection to a remand,” said the Senior-Sergeant. Mr. Kilgour: We think it would be the better way to remand him until Monday. If he wishes to get counsel, he can do so. He is remanded until Monday, to give him that opportunity. The last act will thus be staged on Monday. Meanwhile, the bottle of beer will remain unopened, but the contents of the parcel will, if kept until then, be particularly “strong” evidence!