Prison Escapee From Waikune Admits Several Charges Of Theft

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 October 1948, Page 7

Prison Escapee From Waikune Admits Several Charges Of Theft

How a man who had escaped from the Waikune Prison Camp was captured by a Fordelt farmer was told before Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in Hie Magistrate's Court. Wanganui, yesterday, when Norman Stanley Buchanan, aged 32, admitted escaping from lawful custody on October 7 and also several charges of theft. He was then committed to the Supreme Court, Wanganui, next week for sentence. On one charge of stealing a fountain pen accused was convicted and discharged. In addition to the escape from the prison, the charges alleged the following thefts: 10s from Marion Mabel Berry on October 9; approximately 135 from Guthrie and McEwen. Pipiriki, on October 11; a 115 bicycle, owned by Marshall and Sons, from Koroniti on October 12; a fountain pen, from H. T. Rimmer, at Pipiriki, on October 11; and clothing and other material from Charles E. Hucker, at Fordell, on October 15. Another charge alleged breaking and entering the house of John Alexander Howie at Fordell on October 15. Jeremiah George Quill,' superintenden of the Waikune Prison, gave evidence that accused had had an "outside” hut. On October 6, he was assigned an "inside" hut. because of his conduct, and .lust after breakfast, on the following morning accused escaped.

Evidence was given by various persons concerning the charges of theft and John Alexander Howie, farmer, of No. 2 Line, near Fordell, described how he found accused inside his house on the evening of October 15. Witness and a neighbour unsuccessfully sought accused, but found a bicycle and an assortment of goods. Witness took these to the house and telephoned the police. At 10.30 p.m. witness went outside the house and saw accused under a bush. Witness chased and caught accused and neighbours who had been visitors arrived immediately afterward. Accused was in his stockinged feet. The police were approaching then, and accused broke away and there was another chase. Accused was again caught. Constble M. E. Andrews said that accused went 20 or 30 yards in his second attempt to escape before he was overtaken by one of the men. Witness handcuffed accused.

Detective-Sergeant J. K. _ Robertson presented a statement signed by accused in which he said he escaped with the aim of getting to Australia, where his child was to be born early next year. Accused also made statements about the other incidents. Detective - Sergeant Robertson prosecuted and Mr. A. D. Brodie appeared for accused.