ESCAPED CONVICT

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1931, Page 3

ESCAPED CONVICT

NO TRACE DISCOVERED. POLICE NET WIDELY SPREAD. AUCKLAND, December 22. Despite a thorough search by members of the detective and uniform branches of the poi'ice, no trace of Thomas William Wilson has been discovered since he left the hospital on 'Sunday night. A wide net has been cast by the police in an effort to recapture him quickly. All country and suburban; .police stations were notified of his escape and a strict watch is being maintained throughout the Dominion.

The police believe that Wilson’s escape was planned and arranged with outside assistance. They say that if he were not assisted he would most probably have been recognised and the police notified. No doubt Wilson would either reave Auckland quickly or stay in hiding for a few days to await an opportunity of either leaving the Dominion or going to the country. It is expected, that be will endeavour to stow away on either a coastal or an overseas vessel. Since his escape every ship leaving Auckland has been closely inspected. The official view of Wilson’s escape is that he escaped from legal custody. It is contended that, while in the hospital, a prisoner is in legal custody, even, though not guarded by a warder. A prisoner who escaped from the Wellington hospital' iin similar circumstances was charged recently and dealt with on a charge of escaping from legal custody.