Dramatic Dash By Sentenced Prisoner

Northern Advocate, 13 August 1942, Page 5

Dramatic Dash By Sentenced Prisoner

AUCKLAND, This Day,

A dramatic dash was made by a prisoner in the Supreme Court today five minutes after he had been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for a series of 21 offences, including escaping from custody. A Whakatane escapee, Clifford Douglas Keene, 27, labourer, made a sudden dash as lie was being put in the 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. Judge’s, Remarks “'I warn 3>-ou. if you commit any offence while serving the sentence, such as attempting to escape, the court will find its duty to declare you as an habitual criminal,” was the warning which had been given Keane by Mr. Justice Fair, passing sentence a few minutes before the escapade. Keane had made a strong plea, appearing for sentence on admitted offences, including breaking and entering, theft from dwellings, theft, forgery and uttering and escaping from custody. He pleaded not to be declared an habitual criminal, saying his wife. had stuck to him and he felt that he could make good after serving a sentence. Mr. Justice Fair said that, having regard to the 32 previous convictions and the present 21 offences, he had thought it would be necessary to declare him an habitual criminal. Consideration would be given, however, to his plea and his sign of repentance by posting back the stolen rings. The Judge passed sentence of five years in all.