Police release photo of prisoner who escaped custody at Waikato Hospital

Police have urged the public not to approach a prisoner who escaped Corrections custody at Waikato Hospital last week.

Damon Anderson, 48, is not considered an immediate risk to the public, but police have still warned people against approaching him.

They encourage anyone who sees him to contact police.

Anderson was wearing handcuffs and a GPS monitor when he escaped on Sunday, RNZ reported yesterday.

Damon Anderson, 48, escaped Waikato Hospital during a visit from prison. Photo / Police

The prisoner was on remand at Spring Hill Corrections Facility and escaped while on a visit to Waikato Hospital.

“If you see him please call 111 or alternatively, information can be provided to police, online or by calling 105 quoting file number 241223/5693.”

Springhill general manager Scott Walker told RNZ public safety was the prison’s top priority and any escape was unacceptable.

An immediate review of how the incident occurred would be carried out.

A Corrections spokesperson would not say how many staff were escorting the prisoner when he escaped, but said none were injured.

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