ESCAPE FROM THE CELLS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3914, 5 March 1929, Page 3

ESCAPE FROM THE CELLS.

YOUTH'S DARING ROSE. TWO OFFICERS “IMPRISONED.” After a fortnight’s liberty gained through a daring escape from the cells of the central police station, John William Osborne, aged 17, was recaptured by detectives in the early hours of Friday morning, in unusual 'circumstances (says the Auckland Herald). It is now revealed that Osborne effected his escape by a clcverlyconceived ruse, .Whereby lie completely turned the tables on the police and managed to make his way out of the station while -a sergeant and constable were loft locked by him in the cell in which he had been placed. It wais not until about an hour and a-half later that their plight was made known and they were released, but in the meantime the former prisoner had disappeared completely. A ‘constant watch Was kept thro - ughout the city and suburbs, but it was not until yesterday that the youth was located, sleeping soundly in a large cupboard Wardrobe in an unoccupied house in Epsom.

Osborne was arrested on February 13 'on ia] charge of breaking and entering the house of Mr. Robert Arthur Dowell, of Melrose Road, Mount Roskill, and 'stealing money and jewellery Valued at £75. He was taken to the central police station that evening, and in vieAV of his youth certain minon considerations were shown him in his retention overnight. He was placed in a cell and was still there, when the evening rounds were m'ade by the station officers. At one o’clock the following morning a sergeant and a constable made the iearly morning calls at the cells in 'order to see that everything was in order. The door of Osborne’s cell was bolted, but not locked, as it h'ad been since lie was placed inside. The two were considerably surprised -to find on opening the door that apparently no one was inside. After peering in they both entered :to inspect the cell more closely. A second later they turned to find that the heavy door had been closed quietly behind them. On ■trying the door it was found to he bolted on the outside. About an hour and a-half later the two “prisoners” attracted the attention of the watch-house staff and they were released from their unsuspected confinement. Subsequent inquiries showed that Osborne had reached through thei grill in the door and unshot the bolt, so letting himself out. He then hid nearby and upon seeing the two men safely inside his own cell he had slipped out of his hiding place and made sure that they would not follow him. He then made his way out of the station through the back yard, and by the time the alarm was given he h'ad gained a considerable start upon his pursuers. Literally caught “napping” Osborne was returned .to ‘the police station cells yesterday morning. Frequent complaints were made from various suburbs after the youth’s escape from custody, but the police could find no trace of him. Finally, acting on advice received from residents of Epsom, four detectives and a constable went to that suburb on .Thursday night. It was reported th‘at someone had been seen in tire grounds of Mr. G. Bloomfield’s house in Owen’s Road. The grounds were watched for- two hours; from midnight. The five men then surrounded the house, to which entry was gained through an open window.

The,' house wa's apparently empty, but the youth was finally found sleeping soundly on an improvised couch of coverings removed from several beds. In his hand was a half-eaten apple. By his side lay an open bbuk, which he had apparently been reading before dropping off to sleep. The cupboard door was closed when the detectives entered the room, ami the youth awoke to find several men looking ciown upon him. He gave himself up quietly and was taken back to the police station ,immediately. Osborne appeared before Mr. F. 11. Levien in the Police Court yesterday on the original charge. In asking' for a reni'and DetectiveSergeant Holmes said it was possible further charges would .be preferred in the near future. Accused was remanded to Thursday next.