AN ESCAPEE STRUCK

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 May 1928, Page 9

AN ESCAPEE STRUCK

LATE EDITION

THE INVERCARGILL CASE. COURT OF INQUIRY’S FINDING. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, May 19. The finding of the court of inquiry into the allegations of brutal treatment to an escapee by officers of the Borstal institution at Invercargill was released by the Minister of Justice ,io-day. Mr. Cruickshanks, , S.M., found on the facts that Flanagan was struck once by each warder a blow hard enough for marks of them to be seen two days later. He was satisfied that Trimble took no part in tlie striking and was not aware of it. The conduct of the warders in striking Flanagan was wanton and senseless, but the blows were not in any way severe. It was to be said for the warders that this was the third escape that month; that they had been out three days in dreadful weather and that their tempers were frayed. It was known that Flanagan had stolen a shotgun, and fear of his being armed made the warders stern in the manner of their Surest and search. Mir. Cruicksitanlcs said that it was not in his province to deal with the Warders, but if he would be permitted to make a suggestion he thought the while inquiry had taught them a. lesson, and a severe reprimand would meet the case.