Prison escaper found dead in maximum-security cell

Prison escaper Kerry Jason Taylor - the Palmerston North Black Power affiliate who carried out a daring escape from Manawatu Prison in July - was found dead in his cell at Auckland Prison at Paremoremo yesterday.

Taylor, 36, died overnight, a week before he was due to be sentenced for the escape. The Corrections Department inspectorate - an independent body - has launched an investigation.

Taylor had been shifted to the maximum-security prison after his July Manawatu Prison escape.

Taylor's mother, Marlene Taylor, said this week that her son escaped because of the threat of being transferred to a maximum-security prison. She could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Taylor was facing proceedings in the High Court and district court on charges that included attempted murder, wounding with intent and threatening to kill. He was also due to appear on allegations of vehicle theft.

He is the brother of self-appointed Black Power boss Brian Taylor, who is serving a 14-year sentence, also at Paremoremo.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan, of Palmerston North police, said Taylor had been on the police radar for 20 years.

However, Mr Sheridan said Taylor had tried several times to go straight.

"He had long spells of trying to make a go at things. There was quite a long period in the mid-90s where he was quite settled and things were looking up for him."

He said he felt sorry for Taylor's mother.

"I know his mother quite well. That family has had some difficult times and she has stuck by those boys, as any parent would. She will be distraught."

- NZPA