ESCAPE OF A PRISONER.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 205, 4 February 1875, Page 3

ESCAPE OF A PRISONER.

{Daily Telegraph,) "A very am art escape was effctede on Sunday night by a prisoner named George Stewart, who was in custody of Senior-Constable Joyce, of Sand ridge, arrested on a warrant charging him with arson. Stewart was some time ago committed for trial on the charge of setting fire to his own place of business in Sandridge, but failed to surrender himself to his bail at the Criminal Sessions.. It being subsequently known that he had gone to New Zealand, steps were taken there for his arrest, whioh was duly effected. SeniorConstable Joyce was then sent over to New Zealand to bring the prisoner to Melbourne, and arrived with him in the steamship Otago late on Sunday night at the Australian Wharf. The prisoner had come over, as is usual, in the steerage, and Joyce was standing at the door of the cabin about to handcuff him preparatory to going on shore, when he asked to be allowed to fetch his bundle, which he had left in his bunk. As there was only one exit to the place, and that was occupied by himself, Joyce let the man go. Finding, however, that he did not con}e out of his berth, he went to look for him, but could discover no trace of him. Every search was made through the vessel and on the wharf, but nothing could be seen of the missing mau, Joyce then took a cab, and drove to Stewart's house in Sandridge, when he-was informed he had himself oalled about a quarter of an hour before, leaving a

message to tell his wife that he had returned. Nothing has since been seen or heard of the man, arid his escape is shrouded in mystery. He is described as being sixty five years of age, sft Bin or 9in in height, bloated appearance, grey hair, clean shaved, and having a broad Scotch accent. When last in Constable Joyce's custody he was dressed in a dark tweed coat, old dark tweed trousers, a round soft felt black hat, and boots cut at the side to ease corns.