A Bedpan And A Bold Escape Bid
Sun Herald
Sunday May 22, 2005
LONG Bay jail inmate Robbie Francis's audacious bid for freedom was reminiscent of an episode from the Keystone Kops.
The 28-year-old armed robber was taken under escort from the jail to Auburn Hospital on Friday after complaining of a stomach illness. But, when overseer John Armstrong removed his handcuffs to allow him to use a bedpan, the prisoner used it to hit Mr Armstrong on the head. He then kicked and punched Mr Armstrong's colleague, overseer Paddy Angre, and fled down the hospital corridor. Mr Armstrong tackled Francis and a struggle ensued before the prisoner broke free.He ran into the street, through a garden, jumped over the back fence and pedalled away on a stolen bicycle. Mr Armstrong commandeered a passing car and told the driver: "Follow that bicyclist." When they caught the fast-pedalling runaway, Mr Armstrong continued on foot. But as Francis pulled away, Mr Armstrong commandeered a second car. The chase stalled in an industrial estate until a resident tried to enter her home unit."My front door is never locked from the inside," the woman told Mr Armstrong, who kicked down the door. He found the fugitive hiding on the top landing. Police helped him overpower Francis, who was charged with escape from lawful custody, assault and bicycle theft. Mr Armstrong received treatment for lacerations, abrasions, bruising, sprains and shock. "For persistence, bravery and dedication to duty, both of these officers have set a shining example," NSW Corrective Services Commissioner Ron Woodham said.
© 2005 Sun Herald