Cops hunt for escaped convict

Tonight, prison authorities and police are searching for a former inmate following a daring escape around eight this morning from the vicinity of Magistrates’ Court. Details are sketchy at this time, but reports are that well-known burglar Dennis Quilter apparently was taken by bus from Hattieville prison to court in Belize City to stand trail. According to sources, Quilter, who had not yet been handed over to the court police, was being escorted up the steps by prison guards to the holding cell area when he suddenly broke away and ran towards the Southern Foreshore. Prison guards and police followed in hot pursuit, but were unable to catch him. Quilter is a resident of Ladyville and the initial search has focussed on the Northern Highway corridor.