Police hunt for violent criminal in Hutt Valley

Matthew George Kidman

Police are still hunting for a violent criminal who abandoned a stolen vehicle and fled into bush in the Hutt Valley yesterday.

Matthew George Kidman, 32, failed to stop for police on Coast Rd in a remote part of Wainuiomata about 8.40am, police said.

Armed police and dog units search the area, but failed to find him, Senior Sergeant Steve Braybrook of Lower Hutt police said.

Kidman had a history of violent offending, but here was no indication he was armed at the moment, he said.

Police did not believe he was still in the bush and today were checking addresses of his associates.

It was believed he was still in the Hutt Valley somewhere, Mr Braybrook said.

"He's on our radar as someone to arrest and we want to do our best to find him as quickly as possible."

If anyone saw the fugitive, they should call 111 immediately, he said.

"He's not a danger to the public per se, but in saying that of anyone of that sort of ilk, he shouldn't be approached.

Kidman was described as a tall, thin Caucasian, wearing a light coloured shirt and dark trousers.

In August last year he smashed his way out of a cellblock area at Hutt Valley District Court and fled in a taxi to a friend's house in Naenae, TVNZ reported. He was arrested the same night.

In November 2008, he evaded police for two days after skipping out on bail for firearm offences.

He fled on a motorised golf cart from Silverstream Golf Park and later in a car.