DESPERATE CRIMINALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1916, Page 2

DESPERATE CRIMINALS.

" SANDBAGGING " A WARDER. Ey Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, August 13. Sensational evidence was heard at tlio Magistrate's Court to-day, when George Crowther, Hector McLean, Clias. Hazedline and Jolnv Daintry Campbell Birch, four prisoners who attempted to escape from the Terrace Gaol on Saturday last, were charged with intent to commit a ermie, and did, by violent means, render Clias. Edward fspitta.ll, a warder, incapable of resistance. The evidence showed fhat McLean attacked Spittall while the IftHor was attending to a radiator in the yoom in which clothes were made. One of the other prisoners also assaulted him tpi he was rendered unconscious. When ho cr-Mc. to he found be was bound and gagged," but managed to crawl on his hands and knees to the electric bell. Assistant came, and the prisoners were recaptured in the store room <at the point of the revolver. They had opened one door and forced another, but still had two doors to force before regaining liberty. T-Ih> assault had evidently been committed by sandbags, two of which were produced in Court. Accused were committed for trial.