A PRISONER who absconded from John Hunter Hospital, triggering an hour-long manhunt that ended when he was arrested at Westfield Kotara shopping centre, has been jailed for six months in Newcastle Local Court.
James Geoffrey Tozer, 35, escaped from the custody of Corrective Services officers while being treated under guard at the hospital about 2pm on Thursday.
He was last seen running along Lookout Road, near Bushlands Close, at New Lambton, police said at the time. Members of the public were told to avoid the area as authorities launched a large-scale search for Tozer, which included police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the NSW Police Dog Unit and PolAir.
Tozer was arrested about 3pm at Westfield Kotara and later charged with escaping lawful custody, entering inclosed land without lawful excuse and larceny.
He pleaded guilty in Newcastle Local Court and was jailed for six months for the escape. Tozer was also in breach of a number of good behaviour bonds for resisting arrest and stealing.
