Judge calls for confirmation of hunger strike

A judge today called for medical reports on prison inmate Arthur Taylor after being told he was on a hunger strike and too unwell to appear in court.

Taylor was scheduled to appear in the High Court in Wellington on escape charges.

He is charged with escaping from custody and jointly charged with his wife Carolyn Jameson and Manu Royal of kidnapping and aggravated wounding.

Taylor also faces a number of other charges including possession of cannabis for sale and possession of firearms and explosives.

Crown prosecutor Nick Chisnall told Justice Ronald Young today he understood Taylor was on a hunger strike.

It is understood that Taylor is being held in Rimutaka Prison in Upper Hutt

Judge Young asked that the court be presented with medical information later today.

He adjourned the case until June 19 at which time a trial date, all pre-trial dates and Taylor's presence would be reviewed.

- NZPA