Downing Centre escape: Ali Chahine was not handcuffed when he fled courtroom

THE state government was in the dock yesterday, bungling its explanation of how prisoner Ali Hussein Chahine could flee Downing Centre District Court.

THE state government was in the dock yesterday, bungling its explanation of how prisoner Ali Hussein Chahine could flee Downing Centre District Court.

The 33-year-old fled, injuring two guards, as Justice Andrew Scotting told him he would be going to jail.

Corrections Minister David Elliott yesterday tried to lay the blame on Justice Scotting for telling correctives officers to take off Chahine’s handcuffs and for him not to be in the dock.

But offenders in court do not wear handcuffs, and Chahine was in the dock and Corrective Services did not tell Justice Scotting Chahine posed any additional risk.

There was also confusion over when police were told of the escape, with paramedics notified at 3.30pm to treat the prison guards but Detective Inspector Stewart Leggat said police were not called until 4pm.

However, Mr Elliott later said police were on Chahine’s tail straight away and chased him after he fled the building on to the 423 bus bound for Newtown.

Insp Leggat said Chahine, who has pleaded guilty to possessing ice and using a stolen credit card, was most likely in the Greenacre-Bankstown area. He said Chahine probably caught a train. “I would certainly consider him a danger and advise members of the public not to approach him,” he said.

“Ali give yourself up and you’ll be dealt with appropriately by the courts.”