The mother of Harry Roberts – the killer of 3 policemen – appeared before magistrates in Newport accused of trying to help her son’s escape bid from prison on 16th February 1973. Mrs Dorothy Roberts – a 73-year-old widow – was sent for trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with conveying bolt cutters into Parkhurst’s maximum security wing, intending to facilitate the escape of a prisoner. The widow had hidden the cutters in an adjoining washroom during a prison visit. Officers subsequently searched the washroom and discovered the cutters under a floor polisher. Roberts was due to return to the visiting room for a French lesson. The following day a search was made of Robert’s cell. Officers found an arsenal of escape equipment. Behind the prisoner’s bed was a square of plywood painted to match the colour of the wall. When the plywood was removed, a hole in the wall was found, 1 inch from the air outside. However, there was 1 piece of essential equipment missing: bolt cutters. Had Harry Roberts got through the hole, he would have landed in the exercise yard. He would have required the bolt cutters to cut through the wire mesh surrounding the yard. Dale Parkinson – appearing for Dorothy Roberts – said on her behalf:
“She has a complete answer to this charge, and there is no question of her ducking the question.”
The magistrates granted her bail on payment of £700. At the end of her 8-day trial at Winchester Crown Court, in March 1973, the 73-year-old was found not guilty by a 10-2 majority. Harry Roberts had been sentenced to a minimum of 30 years imprisonment in 1966 for his part in the killing of 3 London policemen.
She was naughty but over 50 years ago, how old as her son if she’s 73 now? Do the CPS really think this is really in the public interest?
She was 73 at the time of her trial.