Police last night confirmed they were probing the circumstances surrounding the escape of a drug suspect while he was in custody at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Gilroy Reginald Perott was being held in the Curtis Ward at the hospital last Wednesday night when he began struggling with an officer, before managing to break free and running off.

Police launched a massive search for the 36-year-old, and eventually found him on Friday evening hiding in the bathroom of a house in the Camp Hill area of Southampton.

Yesterday, Perott, of Green Acres Road, Devonshire, was brought before the courts where he faced charges of conspiring to import cannabis and cocaine, assaulting an officer while he was executing his duty and escaping lawful custody.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said last night: "An internal brief is being prepared into the circumstances surrounding the detention and escape of Gilroy Perott. We are looking into it."

Magistrates Court heard yesterday that while in Police custody at the hospital last week, Perott had X-rays taken of his digestive system, which showed no foreign objects in his body.

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves bailed Perott in the sum of $5,000, on condition that he had no contact with witnesses, surrendered all travel documents, and reported to Hamilton Police station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Perott must also put up a surety.

Mr. Greaves set a trial date for September 9.

The accused, who appeared in court without a lawyer yesterday, was told by Mr. Greaves to find a defence lawyer as soon as possible, and not to wait until September because the case would not be adjourned if he was not prepared.

And also appearing in Magistrates Court yesterday was David Leroy Burchall, 28, who pleaded not guilt to assisting and receiving Perott.

Burchall, of Horseshoe Road, Southampton, was given bail in the sum of $2,500, with a like surety.

His trial date was set for August 30.