Prisoners bash way out of cells

Dean Wayne Whakatau (left) and Zeb Lee Sonny McCallion

The police are hunting two men who escaped from Rotorua police station early yesterday morning by bashing a hole in the roof.

One of the men is facing rape and kidnap charges and also escaped from Waikeria prison, near Te Awamutu, last year.

He was recaptured several weeks later after attempting to ram a police car. Police used pepper spray to subdue him.

In the latest escape the man and his cellmate bashed their way through a thick wooden ceiling in their first-floor cell and smashed a hole in the police station's metal roof.

Senior Sergeant Dave Donaldson said the two appeared to have used brute force, rather than objects.

"All they've had in there with them is their footwear," he said.

"They've just applied and exerted pressure on the heavy timber tongue-and-groove ceiling."

He said the ceiling was between 50cm and 75cm thick.

Mr Donaldson said the men were in the cell when officers checked at 1.40am but were missing at 3.10am.

He warned that the pair, Dean Wayne Whakatau and Zeb Lee Sonny McCallion, should not be approached.

Whakatau, 27, is facing two charges of rape and kidnapping and had been remanded in custody until October 21.

He escaped from Waikeria while working in the prison grounds on April 14 last year.

He was recaptured on May 5 after tipoffs from the public.

McCallion, 26, is facing numerous burglary and unlawful taking charges and had been remanded in custody until tomorrow.

He is described as 175cm tall, of medium build, with unruly hair and a light beard.

Police said he claims to be Maori but has European features and complexion.

Whakatau is 169cm tall, of medium to solid build, and cleanshaven.

Mr Donaldson said the escape was the second from the Rotorua cell block this year.

* Sightings of Whakatau and McCallion can be reported immediately to 111 or 0800 Tip Off (0800 847- 633), anonymously if preferred.