Corey Hastings accidentally released from Sydney’s Long Bay jail over administrative blunder
A prisoner who had been on the run for more than 12 hours has been found in a hotel after being accidentally released from prison following an administrative blunder.
Corey Hastings, 30, was last seen leaving the Long Bay Correctional Complex in Sydney’s south-east about 1pm on Thursday.
Hastings did not serve a prison sentence in Long Bay but was on remand there on charges of dangerous driving.
NSW Police said they were “conducting an extensive search to locate him”.
Police confirmed Hastings was found at a hotel in Bondi at around 6am on Friday.
Corey Hastings, 30, was last seen leaving the Long Bay Correctional Complex in Sydney’s south-east about 1pm on Thursday
He has since been taken to Waverley Police Station and will then be transferred back to Long Bay.
The 30-year-old is said to have visited the Eastgardens shopping center in Maroubra on Thursday around 3 p.m.
The public was urged not to approach Hastings but to call triple-0 if they saw him.
NSW Corrective Services is investigating what led to his release.
“Staff are required to follow detailed procedures when processing detainee detentions, sentencing and releasing prisoners,” a spokesperson said.
‘The release was the result of an administrative error following an appearance in court. CSNSW is investigating how the error occurred.”
Hastings was due to appear in the Wagga Wagga District Court on Thursday morning.
Hastings did not serve a prison sentence in Long Bay but was on remand there on charges of dangerous driving