Casemates, were revealed in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Vaughn Edwards, of Warwick Park, pleaded guilty to escaping from lawful custody on October 25.

The court heard that Edwards was taken to Casemates around 5 p.m. for owing some $400 in unpaid fines.

Edwards' left hand was handcuffed to the right wrist of another prisoner and there were two Police escorts, prosecuting, Insp. Peter Duffy said.

During the ride to prison, Edwards found an object similar to a paper clip and was able to unlock the handcuff and the back door of the van.

When the van arrived at the prison grounds in Dockyard around 6.30 p.m., Edwards made a break for it and was at large for almost three hours.

Insp. Duffy said when Edwards was recaptured he explained to Police how he was able to escape.

Insp. Duffy also noted that the unemployed 21-year-old had no similar previous convictions.

Edwards' lawyer Mr. Richard Hector said: "He's on the threshold of his life, but he is having difficulty finding a job and he is expecting a child.'' Mr. Hector added that Edwards was under "considerable stress'' and "he just wanted to get some fresh air'' before going behind Casemates high walls.

"Fortunately, he was not at large for too long and was able to get his fresh air,'' Mr. Hector told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis in the light-hearted court setting.

He also asked Mr. Francis to deal with it "in a manner that it was a temporary lapse in a moment of stress''.

"I have to take escaping lawful custody somewhat seriously although in this case it seems you got away rather easily,'' Mr. Francis told Edwards.

Taking into consideration his guilty plea, the time he spent in custody, and his remorse, Mr. Francis fined Edwards $250.

And to avoid a repeat of his disappearing act, Mr. Francis gave Edwards until November 30 to pay the fine.