The people of Bermuda might never be told how Alvone Maybury managed to flee two prison officers. The outcome of the investigation is to be kept under wraps, it emerged yesterday.
Suspected shooter Maybury gave two prison guards the slip when he was being led out of Magistrates’ Court in handcuffs on July 13. The prison officers were there to take him to a waiting van to return him to Westgate.
The Department of Corrections immediately launched an internal investigation into how the escape happened, and to suggest recommendations to prevent further escapes. The two officers — who remain at work “performing their normal duties” — have come under fire from the public.
Critics wonder why only one of the two guards gave chase and only as far as the junction of Parliament Street and Church Street.
Concerns have also been raised about how the escape was reported to police. One of the prison officers calmly walked into Hamilton Police Station to report the escape. Questions have been raised whether this could have hampered the start of the manhunt.
The Bermuda Sun has been told that the outcome of the investigation outcome will remain “an internal matter” regardless of whether any disciplinary action is taken against the officers.
Commissioner of Corrections Edward Lamb said: “The investigation is on-going and we expect it to be completed shortly. The outcome of the investigation will not be made public; however recommendations will be reviewed and implemented internally as necessary. This is an internal matter and if any action is taken relating to the officers it will be dealt with as such.”
Lt. Col. Lamb agreed that the police were initially informed of the escape via Hamilton Police Station but he said “a detailed report was given to police later.” He added security was stepped up immediately after Maybury’s escape. This is thought to include handcuffing prisoners at the back rather than at the front.
Lt. Col. Lamb said: “There were indeed some immediate security measures put in place following this incident. It would be imprudent of me to disclose what those measures are as to do so would compromise our security.”
