Detainee recaptured after hospital escape

Wallis Wang

A 64-year-old detainee managed to get of his handcuffs and escaped from Queen Elizabeth Hospital early yesterday, but was caught shortly after his daughter reported to police that he was on his way to their Sham Shui Po home.

The man surnamed Tam appeared in court in a child-pornography case on Wednesday and was escorted by Correctional Services Department officers from Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre to the public hospital in Yau Ma Tei after he sought medical attention.

But at around 4am, Tam broke free from the handcuffs that were locked to the bed and ran away when correctional staff went to the nurse station, the department said.

"Officers at the scene mounted a chase and called for reinforcement. Police were also informed," it said.

Sources said Tam was guarded by two correctional officers, but one went to the toilet and the other went for a water refill.

A nurse saw Tam fleeing but could not catch him and called police, sources said, adding that Tam left the hospital through the backstairs and main entrance before taking a taxi.

Tam called his daughter, saying he was on his way home at Shing Tin House in Pak Tin Estate to seek help and borrow some money. However, his daughter called police immediately - at 4.28am - and reported her father's whereabouts.

Police rushed to the public estate and locked down all entrances. When they saw Tam at 5.45am they tackled him to the ground. He was barefoot and wearing a hospital gown.

He will likely face an addition charge of escape from lawful custody.

"I wanted to return home to speak to my family. I would then go to the police station by myself," Tam told officers while he was being escorted to a police van.

Kowloon West regional crime unit superintendent Alan Chung Nga-lun arrived at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and collected evidence from the ward where Tam escaped.

The Correctional Services Department appointed a board of inquiry to conduct a thorough probe into Tam's escape.

It is understood that Tam appeared at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts for indecently assaulting his teenage granddaughter and taking pornographic photos of her.

He was arrested after his daughter found out about the assault and called police.

Tam applied for bail during the hearing but was rejected. He later claimed he was not feeling well and wanted to see a doctor.

At least eight escapes of suspects were recorded over the past decade - six from hospitals and two from courts.

In April, suspected drug trafficker Chan Shu-wa, 37, escaped from custody at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts by switching his identification wristband with another suspect.

Chan walked free while allegedly masquerading as 24-year-old Lam King-ho, who was involved in a domestic violence case and was supposed to be released on HK$500 bail. He was said to have promised Lam a cash reward before swapping wristbands. Chan was rearrested four days later.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com