BORSTAL ESCAPEE ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1928, Page 4

BORSTAL ESCAPEE ENQUIRY

MAGI ST R A TIC’S FIN D INC. TWO WARDERS STRUCK BLOWS. WELLINGTON, .May 19. The finding of the inquiry into the allegations of brutal treatment of an escapee by Borstal officers an- released liy tile Minister of -Insure 10-dav. After reviewing the evidence, Air Cntickshank, S.AI., before whom the inquiry was held, said he thought that- the estimate of the number of blows as given by the witness. Mr Baird, was an excusable mistake, otherwise the marks on the face would have been more severe and prominent, and Flanagan would have been knocked down. He found that Flanagan was struck by each warder. The blow was bard enough for marks to he seen two days later. He was satisfied that Trimble look no part in the striking and was unaware of it, and nothing that this - officer did ill any way detracted from his fine record. As to the warders, Kennedy and Robertson, it was easy, in the light of after events, from the office desk to now condemn them as guilty of a somewhat cowardly assault upon a youth who had surrendered to them, who was in their power and could not retaliate, and who was weak from exposure and want of food. At the same time, an exaggerated anxiety about the sacred nature of the persons of inmates who escaped from a Borstal Institute would have the efloet of encouraging other inmates to mil away, if a favourable opportunity offered. The conduct of the warders in striking Flanagan was wanton and senseless, /but the blows were not in any way severe. Flanagan himself made light of the blows, evidently thinking, that lie received only what he deserved. There was this to be said for the warders. It was the third escape that month. They had boon out three days in dreadful weather, and their tempers were frayed. 'I lie other escapee, Afaxlield, had stolen a revolver and cartridges, and had not scrupled to point a. loaded weapon at all who obstructed his passage. It was known that, Flanagan had stolen a shotgun and the fear of his being armed made the warders stern in the manner of their arrest and search.

Kennedy and Robertson were each guilty of a breach of discipline and the prison regulations in striking an unwarranted blow at a surrendered escapee. The warders had the exuse in mitigation that tlieic v.as no evil intent behind their acts. TriiubJc was completely exonerated. The Magistrate said that it was not within his province to deal with the warders, but it permitted to make a suggestion, lie thought that the whole inquiry had taught them a lesson and that a severe reprimand would meet the ease.