Taylor for trial on escape charges

Arthur Taylor, who allegedly escaped from prison, his wife and an associate have been committed for trial despite his attempt to have the charges dismissed for lack of evidence.

Taylor, 49, is accused of escaping, rendering three men incapable of resistance to escape, possession of an airgun with intent to commit aggravated wounding, and possession of an airgun with intent to assist in escaping.

His wife Carolyn Rochelle Taylor, 29, is charged with escaping and assisting him to escape.

Manu Aperhama Royal, 45, is charged with possession of an airgun with intent to commit aggravated wounding and rendering three men incapable of resistance while assisting Taylor to escape. The Crown alleged Taylor was helped to escape by Royal, who showed up at an inner-city Wellington building with a gun. After Taylor was released from handcuffs the pair ran off. Taylor was found shortly after in a carparking building.

Taylor yesterday submitted to Justices of the Peace Bernadine Pool and Ian Symonds that there was not enough evidence of him escaping.

He said some matters were not in dispute, such as the fact that he went to the Child, Youth and Family services building on March 22 to attend a family group conference and that Royal showed up with what appeared to be a firearm.

Taylor said the Crown had failed to prove that there was any plan between himself and Royal and any arrangement to carry out a plan.

He said there was evidence before the court that he had not known about the hearing until shortly before he had to leave for it. He could not have arranged any escape.

But it was not clear whether Royal, knowing Taylor's wife had been threatened, had not tried to break him out or even kidnap him.

After a short deliberation the justices committed Taylor, his wife and Royal for trial.

- NZPA