ATTEMPT TO BREAK PRISON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11650, 19 August 1916, Page 6

ATTEMPT TO BREAK PRISON.

WARDER RENDERED UNCON-; SCIOUS, I ' : .'I Per Press Ass ocation. j Wellington, Aug. 18.' 1 Sensational evidence was heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when George .Crowther, Hector McLean, Chas. Hazeldine ,and John Daintry Campbll Birch, four prisoners, who attempted to escape from Terrace gaol on Saturday last, were charged, with , intent to commit a crime inasmuch as they did, by violent means, render Chas. Edward BpittaU, a warder, incapable of resistance. The evidence showed that McLean attacked Spittall while he latter was attending to a radiator in the room in. which clothes were dried. One of the other prisoners also assaulted him and he was rendered unconscious. .When he Came to ; be’fauud himself bound and gagged, but managed, to. crawl on his hands and knees to the electric bell. Assistance came and the prisoners were recaptured in the storeroom at the point of the revolver. They had opened one door end forced another, but still had two doors to force before regaining their liberty. The assault was evidently commuted ny sandbags, two of which were produced in Court. Prisoners pleaded not guilty and were committed for trial.