NSW: Prisoner on the run after hospital escape

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2009
NSW: Prisoner on the run after hospital escape

SYDNEY, April 29 AAP - A prisoner taken to a Sydney hospital for treatment of a heart
condition has escaped in a taxi, police say.

Emil Mattar, a 64-year-old drug offender, was taken from Long Bay jail to Randwick's
Prince of Wales Hospital on April 23.

He was admitted under the guard of a corrective services officer, but gave him the
slip about 9.50pm (AEST) on Tuesday, police said.

A hospital gown was found in a lift, and a witness told police a man dressed in a green
tracksuit got into a taxi, where a second person appeared to be waiting.

The taxi driver has told police he dropped off the two passengers in the Ultimo area.

Mattar was serving a custodial sentence of four years and six months for supplying
prohibited drugs, with an earliest release of May 2011.

He is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, approximately
170cm tall, of medium build, with a bald head, grey moustache and hazel/green eyes.

Police are urging anyone who spots Mattar not to approach him, but to contact Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AAP hn/jpm

KEYWORD: ESCAPE (PIX AVAILABLE)

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