A Mongrel Mob gang member is on the run after escaping from a court cell just after being sentenced to jail.
Police are asking for public help to find Mana Justin Tangitutu, 27, an offender who escaped from court this afternoon after being sentenced to a short prison term.
Tangitutu, 27, had been sentenced in the Whakatane District Court this afternoon to four months imprisonment for a family violence assault on a woman.
After being sentenced he was placed in a court cell by police officers on court escort duty. While the officers then dealt with another prisoner, Tangitutu escaped from the cell and managed to leave the court building.
The escape was discovered a few minutes later, about 5.15pm. Cordons were put in place around Whakatane until 7pm and various area inquiries and searches were carried out. The victim of Tangitutu's assault was also contacted immediately and arrangements made to ensure her safety.