EXCITING CHASE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19179, 9 December 1927, Page 9

EXCITING CHASE.

ESCAPED PRISONER RECAPTURED. [THE PEEB3 Special Service.] AUCKLAND, December 8. Brief was tho liberty enjoyed by William Homy Grant, tho habitual criminal who assaulted Warder Booth in tho bakehouse of Mount Eden Prison at 2 o'clock yesterday morning, and then escaped by climbing over the higli outside wall. Grant was recaptured in Williamson's avenue about 11 o clock this morning by Constable Moore, or Ponsonby, assisted by Constable Milson. In making his escape the criminal had to drop a distance of about 20 foet from the outside wall to the ground. In loing so ho sprained his left ankle. This, no doubt, contributed to the fact that he was quickly gathered into the police net. Grant, after getting clear of the prison made for Grey Lynn, and spent the day in that district yesterday. Last night he slept in Western Park, which is only a stone's throw from Newton Police Station in Ponsonby road. Unfortunately for Grant a man while on his way to work this morning recognised the fugitive and lost no time in informing the police of what he ' had seen. However, another report was received by the police that a man answering the description of Grant had been seen at Blockhouse Bay, so a posse of police was dispatched to that district. • Constable Moore sighted Grant while patrolling in Ponsonby road at 11 o'clock, and approached cautiously, but he was then a considerable distance off his quarry. The recognition, however, was mutual, and Grant quickly made, off. He disappeared behind the Church of Christ. He found a brief haven of refuge in an outhouse there, and then decided to make a break for liberty. By this time Constable Moore was close on his heels, and a very exciting race down Williamson's avenue followed. Grant showed surprising speed, although suffering from an injured ankle. The constable gradually bridged the gap, and finally with a flying tackle collared hjs man and got him on the ground. The escapee put up a stout resistance but he had no chance, for at this moment, Constable Wilson, who was off duty and in plain clothes, cam© on the scene. Grant was then handcuffed. The man hunt caused a thrill of excitement for a large number of Williamson's avenue residents.

Grant appeared at the Police Court before Mr W. R. McKean, S.M., at noon.

Senior-Sergeant McCarthy applied for a week's remand.

"is the charge of escaping the only one?" asked the Magistrate. "Yes, sir. It is. so far," answered the officer, who added that' he wished to have Grant returned to prison as quickly as possible, so that tne injury to his ankle might be treated by the gaol surgeon. Grant, who wore prison trousers and shirt, prison shoes, and a light grey sports coat, which he obtained while at liberty, was remanded and limped out of the dock. t It was stated to-dav that the condition of Warder Booth, who was attacked by Grant, was improving. Ho is not seriously injured, but is suffering from shock. It will be several days before he is fit enough to resume duty.