From Devil’s Island.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20653, 29 June 1935, Page 10

From Devil’s Island.

Eddie Guerin Again In Trouble. GUERIN, seventy-five years of age, well-set-up and, despite his grey hair turning to silver, looking thirty years younger, walked decisively into Marlborough Street Court dock, says the “ Daily Express.” He is the man who escaped from Devil's Island, and he said to the Magistrate, “ All the trouble I’ve had in life, and I have had a very great deal, is due to that Devil’s Island. Everyone who sees me says, ‘'There goes Eddie Guerin, the Devil’s Islander.’ ” He had been arrested on a charge of loitering with intent to steal from cars. He pleaded not guilty. “ I’m an old man,” he said in Couft, “ and it’s a shame that I should be so persecuted.” Two police officers in plain clothes said they had watched him in Jermyn Street, looking into cars, trying the handles of the doors of those containing suitcases. “ Ever since I came out of prison,” said Eddie Guerin, “ I have done everything I could to lead an honest life. Is it possible that I should always be arrested for being a suspected person, and never do anything “ The last time I was in prison my wife and children were dispersed. The little home I had formed was broken up.” Said the Magistrate: “I don’t wish to be harsh at all, but the property of the public must be protected from men such as I’m afraid you are. “ Having regard to your age I shall send you to prison for two months without hard labour. But I do implore you, when you come out, to lead an honest life.”