Two Prisoners escape from custody
Two prisoners escaped from custody this morning whilst being transferred to appear at the Magistrates Court.
In a press release this morning, the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) describes the escape and the extensive search subsequently implemented.
The two prisoners, named as Ian Seward, 30 and John Viner, 20 years of age, who were due to appear at Court this morning on drugs related charges were recaptured within a few hours, without further incident. They are now scheduled to appear at the Magistrates court, with an additonal charge of ‘escape from lawful custody’, tomorrow.
The statement from the RGP, released early this afternoon read:
“At 0935hrs today, two prisoners on remand, namely, John Viner, 20 years of age and Ian Seward 30 years of age, both in HM Prison on drug related charges, escaped from lawful custody en route to the Magistrates Court from HM Prison.
Both these prisoners had been handcuffed to each other and were escorted by a Prison Officer towards an awaiting Prison van, when they both ran off in the direction of Castle Road.
The prison officer gave chase but lost sight of them at Prince Edward’s Road.
Police were immediately alerted to the area when information was received that they had been sighted in the area of Baca’s Passage. All roads leading from Flat Bastion Road was sealed off and a systematic search was then conducted of the area of Flat Bastion Road and all adjoining alleyways. All derelict buildings were searched including the bed-sitters in the area of Wilson’s Ramp.
Officers were deployed to the area of the Frontier and all other exit points including the Marine side where yachts/boats were checked.
Officers entered one of these bed-sitters at Wilson’s Ramp and found both men hiding within an interior wardrobe. They were taken into custody and conveyed to New Mole House.
They will be kept in cells, charged for Escaping from Lawful Custody and conveyed to the Magistrates Court am 30th Inst.
The RGP would like to thank members of the public for their support in the apprehension of these two prisoners, numerous calls were received to assist Police in their endeavours.
From Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) Press Releases - 29 November 2005
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