Trio held over jail bashing, escape

THREE inmates who allegedly bashed a police officer on Sunday and tried to escape from the Cairns Watch-house have been held without bail.

The three men – Joshua James Richards, 27, Beau Neville Gibson, 18, and Clifford George E Mow, 19 – appeared separately and handcuffed in Cairns Magistrates Court.

Richards, of Cooyah Beach, and Gibson, of Smithfield, have been charged with robbery with violence and attempted escape from lawful custody and attempted deprivation of liberty.

Mow, of Aringa, has been charged with robbery with violence and attempted escape from lawful custody.

For the court’s safety their matters were heard separately.

The men did not apply for bail and have been remanded in custody.

Acting Chief Superintendent Geoff Sheldon has alleged Richards was the ringleader of the attempted escape.

“It is clear he is the instigator of the whole thing,” Chief-Supt Sheldon said.

It is alleged Richards attacked the officer as he organised weekend visits to a chaplain for the prisoners.

“He was standing in the doorway of the exercise yard ... he was set upon by one of the prisoners who dragged him into the cell.

“Two other prisoners joined the assault and he was kicked, brutally bashed and punched.”

It is alleged the men robbed the officer of his keys before he was able to disengage and lock the inmates back in their cells.

However – in line with watch-house rules – the keys did not open any doors to freedom. “We are proud of him for thwarting the attempted escape,” Chief-Supt Sheldon said.

The case against Mow, Richards and Gibson has been adjourned for committal mention on January 23 next year.