Prisoner flees Masterton court

A prisoner facing armed robbery charges smashed out of his cell at Masterton District Court and sprinted past shocked onlookers and court staff in a dramatic dash for freedom.
Shannon Hoani Martin, 32, smashed through the ceiling of the holding cell at 1.30pm on Tuesday, where he was being held after earlier trying to escape the court by running from the dock.
He was tracked by police, court and prison officers to the kitchen area at the rear of Master Fried Chicken in Queen St, where he was arrested and charged with wilful damage and two charges of escaping custody.
At the time Martin was in court on a parole matter, but he is also awaiting a hearing on several charges, including armed robbery, demanding with menace, carrying a rifle, presenting a rifle, threatening to kill, and two counts of burglary.
Sergeant Chris Holden, of Masterton police, said while in the dock Martin vaulted the barrier and made for the exit.
Department of Corrections staff reacted quickly, tackling Martin near the door and wrestling him back into the courthouse's holding cells.
"At that point he's been put in the cells while a new [appearance time] was arranged."
But he said an hour later Martin was on the move again, this time smashing his way into the ceiling from his cell and crawling towards the entrance in the ceiling cavity before emerging near the court's collections area.
Startled members of the public alerted staff as Martin fled the court and across Dixon St.
It is also believed the prisoner tried several car doors in an attempt to make off in a vehicle.
Mr Holden said Martin was then tracked to the rear of Master Fried Chicken where he was restrained and taken to a cell at Masterton police station.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said the incident was being investigated and the damage repaired.
He said the prisoner had broken a hole in the ceiling panel and "re-emerged in an administration area".
Department of Corrections spokesperson Simon Daly said he was pleased with the actions of his staff, who "thwarted" both escape attempts without injury.
He would not say how many staff were present with Martin in court, but said all prisoners required risk assessments before their appearances.
"This planning takes into account the prisoner's security classification which also determines how many staff are required to supervise the appearance."