PNG prison officer sacked for helping notorious gang leader escape

3:37 pm on 24 September 2019

A prison officer in Papua New Guinea has been sacked for helping notorious gang leader Tommy Maeva Baker escape while being escorted to a hospital last October.

Notorious Papua New Guinea criminal Tommy Baker

Notorious Papua New Guinea criminal Tommy Baker Photo: PNG Police

The National reported Henry Wavik from Correctional Services said two other officers who were part of the team escorting Baker to the Port Moresby Hospital were told to pay $US300 each for their "negligence" but were able to keep their jobs.

Mr Wavik said the sacked officer was not initially in the party escorting Baker from the Bomana Prison last October.

However, he volunteered after receiving information that Baker was to be taken to the hospital.

Mr Wavik said he suspected the escape had been planned in advance.

Baker had complained of a knee problem and was using crutches but once at the hospital Mr Wavik says he quickly threw away the crutches, ran into a waiting vehicle and escaped.

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