Charge for escort is attacked

Labour demanded an inquiry yesterday after Joseph Raphael, 23, escaped from nurses escorting him to the Old Bailey on Tuesday because hospital authorities could not afford pounds 200 to pay for a police escort. He is accused of murder.

Mr Raphael gave himself up at Brixton police station, south London, yesterday.

Kenneth Clarke, the Home Secretary, said: 'I would disapprove if the police tried to insist on a charge as a condition for escorting to court a man accused of murder. Those involved must make more sensible arrangements.'