Escaped inmate arrested after Newcastle manhunt

newy.com.au – An inmate who was incorrectly released from a correctional facility in Grafton has been arrested in Newcastle after a manhunt across the region.

Police said they were notified on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, that the 35-year-old man had been incorrectly released, prompting officers to immediately begin a search.

During inquiries, police established the man had travelled from Grafton to the Newcastle area. Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District’s Domestic Violence Team arrested him on Boreas Street, Hamilton North, on Thursday afternoon, 16 April 2026.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant. He was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Local Court 2 on Friday, 17 April 2026.