DASH FOR FREEDOM

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1942, Page 5

DASH FOR FREEDOM

AUCKLAND COURT SENSATION

AUCKLAND, August 13

A dramatic dash was made by a prisoner at the Supreme Court, today, five minutes after he had been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for a series ol 21 offences, including escaping from custody at Whakatanc. The escapee, Clifford Douglas Keane, 27, labourer, made a sudden dash as he was being put in a prisoner’s van at the back of the Court. Closely pursued by officers in the van, he rushed down Anzac Avenue, doubled back into side streets and momentarily eluded his pursuers, but an organised drive resulted in his recapture near the police station within half an hour. “I warn you, if you commit any offence while serving the sentence, such as attempting to escape, the Court will find it its duty to declare you an habitual criminal,” was the warning which had been given to Keene by Mr. Justice Fair, passing sentence a few minutes before the escapade. Keane had made a strong plea when appearing for sentence. He admitted the offences, including breaking and entering and theft from dwellings, theft and forgery, and uttering and escaping from custody. He pleaded not to be declared an habitual, saying his wife had stuck to him, and he felt he could make good after serving the sentence. . Mr Justice Fair said tnat having regard to the 32 previous convictions and the present 21 offences, he had thought it would be necessary to declare him an habitual. Consideration would be given, however to the plea, and the sign of repentance by posting back stolen rings. He passed sentence of five years imprisonment in all.