Search for convicted criminal Randolph Harrison Convery after being released from NSW custody five months early
- Last week, a prisoner was accidentally released from his cell
- Randolph Convery, 49, was in prison for violent crimes
- Convery was last seen outside Newcastle Court House
A nationwide manhunt has been launched for a convicted criminal after a paperwork error accidentally released him from prison five months earlier.
Randolph Harrison Convery, 49, who was in prison for domestic violence offenses, was released from his cell by Corrective Services NSW officers at Newcastle Court House last Wednesday.
He was last seen in his prison green outside the courthouse on Hunter Street shortly after being released at 3:00 pm.
An error in the paperwork prepared by the Ministry of Communities and Justice is held responsible for the blunder.
Convery reportedly even told officers that he was not supposed to be released.
Police are looking for Randolph Harrison Convery (pictured), 49, after he was accidentally released from prison in Newcastle last Wednesday
Convery had been in custody since January and was not expected to be released until January 30, 2024 at the earliest.
He was sentenced to up to 16 months behind bars with a non-parole period of 12 months after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and being armed with intent to commit a criminal offence.
The Ministry of Communities and Justice issued an order as soon as the court became aware of the error.
Police did not address the blunder in their initial statement about the case released Friday.
Convery didn’t commit a crime by being released.
In their statement, police said he is “wanted under outstanding arrest warrants.”
Police are still looking for the wanted man Wednesday morning.
Convery was last seen in his prison outside Newcastle Court House shortly after his release (pictured).
They’ve asked the public for help in locating him.
Convery is described as being white in appearance, 5 to 5 feet 8 inches tall, of large build with brown hair and brown eyes.
He may be driving a white 1999 Toyota sedan with NSW registration AHJ70U.
He is known to frequent the Newcastle and Tarro areas.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle City Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.