20 May
Immediate action by staff at Arohata Prison saw the escape plans of two prisoners cut short yesterday.
It appears that the two prisoners climbed from their exercise yard up onto the roof and down by the prison’s receiving office where they were caught.
“Staff in the prison kitchen were alerted to two prisoners hiding outside behind a shed. They immediately jumped to action and closed in on the prisoners,” says Arohata Prison Manager Ann Abraham.
“Within minutes the prisoners were caught and escorted back to their cells by staff.
“To be honest I don’t know why they bothered leaving the yard in the first place. They didn’t have anywhere else to go. After their roof walk they still would have had to scale the secure perimeter fence and get past the razor wire which is no mean feat.
“An escape attempt such as this is never taken lightly, the safety of the public is our top priority and we are now working to further increase the security of the prisoners’ unit and the prison to prevent future prisoners from leaving the yard and attempting to escape.
“These prisoners will now face internal disciplinary charges for this incident. This will likely result in them facing cell confinement and loss of privileges to think about the stupidity of their actions.”
Note to reporter:
Arohata’s secure perimeter fence is approximately 6 metres high.
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