A violent teenage prisoner was on the run for nearly two weeks after being granted six hours of leave to attend a funeral.
Matthew McRae, 19, failed to return to Rimutaka Prison in New Zealand following his release on December 29, and was re-captured 11 days later on January 9.
The tattooed teen was being remanded for violent and vehicle-related offences, including unlawfully possessing a homemade stun gun, Stuff reports.
It took police three days to alert the public of McRae’s missing status, despite him having a ‘history of violent offending’.
Matthew McRae (pictured), 19, failed to return to prison after being granted leave to attend a funeral – he remained on the run for 11 days
The delayed timing was defended by a police spokeswoman who said several inquiries needed to be made before a public alert was issued.
‘This included searches of addresses belonging to family members and known acquaintances,’ she said.
‘We put out a media release advising that McRae was being sought, and that he had a history of violent offending and should not be approached.’
Ministry of Corrections deputy national commissioner Leigh Marsh revealed confirmed the teenager’s leave had been approved by a court.
‘Because the prisoner was granted bail, he was not in Corrections’ custody, and therefore could not be accompanied by Corrections officers,’ Marsh said.
The tattooed teen was being remanded at Rimutaka Prison (pictured) for violent and vehicle-related offences, including unlawfully possessing a homemade stun gun
The case was dealt with separately to Corrections, with bail granted by a judge through an application from McRae’s lawyer.
Whether the bandit attended the funeral or not was unknown.
He was eventually caught in Masterton, a large town in the Wellington Region, after a brief police chase through residential lawns and gardens.
The teen and his believed accomplice, Stephen Norman, 36, appeared in court together, with McRae set to be remanded in custody until February 1.