Paremoremo inmate caught after 50 days on run

Kevin Polwart escaped from Auckland Prison at Paremoremo on December 16th. Photo / Supplied

Escaped prisoner Kevin Polwart has pleaded guilty to escaping custody after being caught by police this morning at the end of 50 days on the run.

Polwart has been on the run since December 16 and appeared at the North Shore District Court today.

His lawyer Mike Levett said although the case "might appear straight forward for sentencing today" he asked for it to be put off so he could speak with the officer in charge to get more information.

Polwart's appearance had changed from the police mugshot issued after his escape, his head was shaved and he was clean shaven.

Judge Barbara Morris remanded Polwart in custody for sentencing on February 9.

The convicted armed robber was captured in central Auckland at 9.40am after police received information from the public.

He was on the run for seven weeks after cutting his way out of Auckland Prison at Paremoremo.

It was his second successful jailbreak after he spent 41 days on the run in 2001.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby previously said that the last time he escaped, Polwart taunted police and updated the media on his movements. Police were expecting the same this time but heard nothing from him.

It was believed Polwart was going to great lengths to avoid detection and that he had fled up north to family or was staying with friends in Wellington.

Police declined to comment further on today's arrest.

- NZHERALD STAFF