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Escaped prisoner still at large, his Facebook webpage goes private

Alvone Maybury

Facebooking fugitive Alvone Maybury remained on the run yesterday and even his web page had gone into hiding.

Maybury hit the headlines around the world last week after running away from two prison guards who were escorting him out of Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old had appeared in court to be charged with possessing a gun and ammunition and firing the weapon in Pembroke last December.

One guard gave chase for a block after the alleged crook hot-footed it, but Maybury disappeared into the back of town.

Within hours of his escape, he was taunting the authorities via messages on the Facebook social networking site, and e-mails sent to local journalists.

"Just let me be, f**k jail n all the people who run it," he wrote at one point.

He also updated his status to brag: "I'm just chillin playin p. s3 [Play Station 3]" and "I'm a TV star now".

The fugitive, who has a distinctive dollar sign tattoo under his right eye, told this newspaper he'd got rid of his handcuffs and was "free all the way".

The Island soon began to buzz with rumours of potential sightings of him.

Yet despite appearing to revel in his celebrity status, Maybury was contemplating surrender late last week.

On Thursday, he wrote: "Ima turn myself in 2night its too hot to come outta my hole now."

But as of yesterday, there was still no sign of Maybury, who had declared himself "done talking" to the media.

His Facebook profile was still visible complete with a new profile picture of him making an obscene hand gesture but there were no more comments on public display.

The Police, who have set up a 24-strong team of detectives and prison officers to hunt him, issued the latest in a series of appeals for help.

"The special task force is carrying out specific actions in relation to specific leads as and when they are received," said a Police spokesman last night.

"All Police officers are involved in the capture of Mr. Maybury and remain on high alert and vigilant. A number of leads are being pursued, some of which have resulted in the execution of several search warrants.

"A number of community sources have also been engaged to assist in this matter. The task force is using all relevant resources at their disposal including technological means to assist in recovering Mr. Maybury. It is believed that assistance is being given to Mr. Maybury to avoid detection. Upon discovery a criminal matter will be pursued against those involved."

Although the spokesman did not detail any of the venues in question, he confirmed: "There have been reported sightings of Mr. Maybury since his escape. The task force will continue to pursue Mr. Maybury until he is apprehended or surrenders to the authorities.

"Members of the public are asked not to approach Mr. Maybury but we encourage the community to assist in bringing Mr. Maybury safely into custody by reporting any possible sightings to Police immediately, including descriptions of what he is wearing and his mode of transport. "

Anyone with information should call the Police on 295-0011 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hot line on 800-8477.