Accused kidnapper still at large

File photo / NZ Herald

A 31-year-old man who failed to appear in court yesterday to stand trial on assault and kidnap charges is still at large.

Police are looking for Jason Damian Smith who was due to appear in Palmerston North District Court to face charges following an incident in Levin in June last year.

A warrant for his arrest was issued earlier this year after he failed to attend another court date, police said.

Smith is described as Maori, about 178cm tall and of solid build with short cropped hair.

He has gang connections and has spent time in Wellington, Porirua and Wairarapa.

- NZPA