Wanted man inspires line of T-shirts

William Stewart. Photo supplied.

Fugitive William Stewart, who has been on the run since February, has unexpectedly become a fashion inspiration.

A manhunt was launched for Stewart on February 10 when he allegedly threatened a police officer with an iron bar in central Canterbury before disappearing into bush.

Police say the 47-year-old is possibly armed with two shotguns and is possibly a P-addict.

There are five warrants out for his arrest and he is thought to have committed a string of burglaries and car thefts while on the run.

Stewart's ability to stay one step ahead of the police has captured the country's attention as well as the imagination of Ashburton property developer Barry Toneycliffe.

Based on Stewart's self-styled nick-name, Billy the Hunted One, Mr Toneycliffe has created a new "Where's Billy" T-shirt line.

The T-shirts, which are being sold on the Trade Me website, feature the words "Where's Billy" as well as crossed out names of locations Stewart has been sighted in.

"Supposedly he's armed and supposedly he's dangerous, and certainly if I came across him I wouldn't approach him." Mr Toneycliffe told The Sunday Star Times.

"But it is kind of funny the way he keeps slipping away from the police.

"I guess it's the devil coming out in people, but there is a bit of game developing and the public are starting to get involved."

- NZPA