"HANDCUFF KING."

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11508, 5 November 1912, Page 5

"HANDCUFF KING."

POLICE PUZZLED.

UNUSUAL SCENE IN COURT.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WHANGAREI, Monday.

Huston, Avith four aliases, Avas before the Court to-day on tAvo chargee of burglary and tAvo of breaking from custody. During the hearing, while writing, Huston freed himself from the patent American spring handcuffs, then roared AA'ith laughter at the police and detectives. Another search failed to reveal any possible instrument that had been used to assist him, nor would Huston say hoAV ho freed himself. Huston said that on search being made, he had the knife concealed, with Avhich he cut his way out of the cell. He finally remarked, "After your search 1 could take a saAvmill into the cells." The prisoner was carefully watched during the afternoon, as he stated ho Avould repeat his morning's performance, and release himself from the handcuffs. Solicitor Edmunds, at the close of the first case, declared himself as counsel for the prisoner. He asked for an intervieAV, but the police objected, as counsel Avas not engaged by Huston. Mr Edmunds addressed the Bench lengthily, but the Bench declined to ulloav an intervicAV. Mr Edmunds then handed the prisoner a paper, which Avas quickly snatched by a detective. A scuffle ensued betAveen the police aiid Mr Edmunds, Avho was finally throAvn over his chair. Mr Edmunds appeared on two later cases against Huston, and then abruptly left the Court without making any comment. When taking the prisoner from the Court to the cells to-night the crowd hooted the police, and gave three cheers for Huston.