WELLINGTON GAOL SENSATION.

North Otago Times, Volume CIII, Issue 13652, 21 August 1916, Page 2

WELLINGTON GAOL SENSATION.

TEIAL OF THE. PRISONERS, (Per Press. Association.) WELLINGTON, August 13. Sensational evidence was heard in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when George Crowthcr, Hector McLean, Charles Hazeldine and Johu. Campbell Birch, the four prisoners who attempted to escape from the Terrace Gaol ou Saturday last, were charged with intent to commit a crime, and did, by violent means render (.'has. Edward Spittall, a warder, incapable.of resistance. Evidence given showed that McLean attacked Spittall while the latter was attending to a radiator iu the room in which clothes are made. One other of the prisoners also assisted him,'and he was rendered unconscious. AVhcit lie come to, he was bound and gagged, but managed to crawl on hands and lcnee3 to an electric bell. Assistance came, and the prisoners were captured in the store-room at the point of the revolver, They had opened one door and forced another, but still had two doors to force before regaining their liberty, The assault was evidently committed by sandbags, two of which were produced in Court. The prisoners poinded not guilty and were committed for trial