PRISONER’S ATTEMPTED ESCAPE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8969, 7 November 1907, Page 2

PRISONER’S ATTEMPTED ESCAPE.

Per Press Association.. N mv Plymouth, November 6. A pr'soner named C.iarles Newton a ia s Murray, sentenced at Napier to six years imprisonment for thott and burglary, who attempted ts esoapo from a local prison gang on Thursday last, and p eaded not guilty at the S.M. Courtyesterday, was before a Magistrate at the prison this morning and mads some sensational statements with regard to Mount Cook (Woffington) gaol. . Accused read a lengthy story stating that he pleaded not guilty in order to vontilfite his grievances. He alleged that he was treated unjustly on account of having causal the dismissal of one of the warders at Wellington. He made a statement to the effect that with connivance, a warder in Mount Cook gaol was engaged in making counterfeit coin therein and that coins wore still “planted” in Mount Cook grounds j others, he alleged; having boon put in circulation bv warders. "lie alleged favoritism and laxity with regard to 'the local prison, but be subsequently withdrew an application for an inquiry. He stated that ha was innocent of the charge for which ho was sentenced and had wished to prosecute the for perjury, but ho believed the petitions had not reached head quarters. The accused received with genuine surprise the news that his sentence was only six years, having believed that lhe additional fifteen months which had been imposed for a previous attempt at escape was cumulative. Had he known it was concurrent ho would never have attempted to escape. Fifteen days’ solitary confinement was imposed, the gaoler undertaking to afford the prisoner facilities to communicate with the Minister of Jnstice.