'Houdini' escape artist appears in court

Aaron Forden. Photo / Supplied

The man dubbed Houdini appeared in court today flanked by two security guards.

Aaron Stephen Forden, 30, made a short appearance in Auckland District Court over a charge of escaping lawful custody.

The man, nicknamed Houdini for his ability to evade prison security by escaping multiple prison facilities, was today sporting a full ginger beard and ear-length hair.

Forden has been on the run from police three times this year, and is known to change his appearance to evade authorities.

He faces charges in both Auckland and Whangarei District Court.

Forden's lawyer Ron Mansfield today said he was "trying to get together all of the material" and Forden could be tried in Auckland on all standing charges.

The escape artist has a long history of making his way out of prison facilities.

Forden became the first person to escape the new $218 million Mt Eden Corrections Facility in October this year. Two staff members of the facility have since been stood down.

Forden was arrested on the night of the World Cup opening ceremony in Auckland.

He pulled off his infamous 2008 escape by crawling through roof cavities to a tower and using knotted-together sheets to lower himself over barbed wire.

Forden is due to next appear in court on January 24 when a trial length and date will be set.