In this episode of A Moment In Crime - the last for 2023 - senior journalist Anna Leask looks back at some of the country’s most brazen prison escapes, and speaks to one of the most high-profile escapees in history.
Arthur Taylor spent almost a month on the run with two murderers and a robber after masterminding an escape from New Zealand’s toughest prison at Paremoremo near Auckland.
You’ll also hear from others who escaped multiple times including Dean Wickliffe, and, about why inmates go on the lam.
To date, no one has ever escaped prison in New Zealand and managed to stay away forever - they are all caught and hauled back eventually.
But over the years many a man - and a couple of women - have tried.
Leask has covered a number of these escapes for the Herald and canvassed many more in her book Behind Bars, published in 2017.
A full spread that further details the escapes is also available on nzherald.co.nz.
This episode contains strong language and is suited to a mature audience.
For more on Leask's book Behind Bars click here.
Read more:
Exclusive: Dean Wickliffe, the life and times of New Zealand's most 'notorious' crim
Exclusive: Notorious criminal Dean Wickliffe pens book about 41 years behind bars
Phillip Smith's long history of terrifying and abusive behaviour
Greed the downfall of New Zealand's 'Godfather'
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.