ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16096, 9 December 1915, Page 4

ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY.

JUMP FROM A TRAIN.

EXTRAORDINARY STOEY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] New Plymouth, Wednesday. An extraordinary story was told at the Supreme Court by a habitual criminal named Angus, who appeared for sentence on a charge of escaping from custody. It was alleged that while the train was travelling at a good speed after leaving Inglewood, the prisoner, who was being conveyed to New Plymouth gaol from Auckland, left his guard and jumped from the train into the darkness and storm. The constable in charge travelled to Lepperton Junction, and then returned to Inglewood, where prisoner was arrested next morning. The prisoner handed the Chief Justice a statement alleging that there was considerable drink on the train, both he and the constable participating. When they reached Inglewood station he was intoxicated. He left the train and went over to a hotel without the constable being aware of it. He had a drink, and while returning the train started off. He then went back to the hotel and had more drink. He gave himself up to the local policeman next morning. His Honor said prisoner's statement was most extraordinary, and differed completely from that of the constable, who was stationed at Auckland. The constable averred that he went into the lavatory, and when he came back the prisoner was on the platform, and then disappeared. The prisoner, His Honor pointed out, had been guilty of four breaches of his probation, and would be sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour.