Naked escape accused appears in court

Andrew Watkins sparked a seven hour manhunt yesterday after climbing into a ceiling space at Auckland Hosptial to avoid arrest. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A naked man who sparked a seven hour police hunt yesterday after escaping into Auckland Hospital's ceiling has been refused bail.

Andrew Clive Watkins, 25, was remanded in custody after appearing in Waitakere District Court this morning.

Watkins yesterday morning allegedly escaped police, who had come to see him at Auckland Hospital after an arrest warrant for failing to appear on a charge of driving while disqualified was issued.

Watkins, who was naked when he was found after losing his hospital gown earlier in the day, was eventually found in the roof space of the hospital and dragged out after a seven-hour search.

He appeared in Waitakere District Court today charged with escaping from police custody, possessing a steel bar as an offensive weapon, and assault using the bar.

Name suppression was refused and he was remanded in custody until Thursday.

Auckland Hospital spokesman Mark Fenwick said yesterday's incident caused "substantial disruption" to the care of about 45 patients, in both the emergency department and the admission and planning unit.

- NZPA