Escape from Duisburg-Hamborn Prison: Inmate Flees Over Prison Roof
A 35-year-old remand prisoner escaped from Duisburg-Hamborn Prison at approximately 3.20 a.m. Police are searching for the man, who had been in custody since February.
Prisoner Saws Through Iron Bar and Climbs Over Roof to Freedom
A 35-year-old inmate escaped from Duisburg-Hamborn Prison (JVA) during the night into Saturday at approximately 3.20 a.m. According to reports, the man – who authorities say is a Serbian national – escaped in spectacular fashion over the prison roof. By early morning, there was no trace of him, confirmed a spokesman for Duisburg Police. The search is under way.
As North Rhine-Westphalia's Justice Ministry announced on Saturday midday, the inmate had previously created a hollow space in the floor of his cell. This was not discovered during regular cell inspections. At the time of discovery, there was no longer any tools in it.
According to investigations, the prisoner sawed through an iron bar in front of the cell window facing the inner courtyard. To prise open the fine mesh grille behind it, he used the cell table as a lever. He then apparently climbed over the façade on the inside of the building onto the roof and descended to the outside by some as yet unknown means.
North Rhine-Westphalia Justice Minister Benjamin Limbach (Alliance 90/The Greens) described the incident as unacceptable. "Today's escape is absolutely indefensible. The highest priority now is the swift apprehension of the fugitive remand prisoner," he said. At the same time, the incident must be thoroughly investigated.
A security expert from the ministry has already visited the prison and opened an investigation. Limbach announced that the security breach that had occurred would be fully investigated in order to draw consequences immediately.
The fugitive had been in remand custody since 10 February on suspicion of theft. In the interim, he had been sentenced to a six-year custodial sentence – however, this verdict is not yet final.
Source: WELT