Man granted bail to attend funeral, on the run from police for over a month

Police have been searching for a man called Rambo Barton since June 9, when he failed to return to Christchurch Men's Prison after attending his father's funeral. Photo / File

A man granted bail to attend his father's funeral has spent over a month on the run from police and is being sought in connection for another incident.

Rambo Barton, 32, was granted bail to attend his father's funeral but failed to return to Christchurch Men's Prison on June 9, as per his bail conditions.

The Department of Corrections notified police and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A border alert was also raised with customs.

Taranaki police also want to speak to Barton in connection to an incident in a New Plymouth residential area on June 27.

A New Plymouth woman contacted the Herald about a separate incident, where she alleged Barton and another man assaulted her at her home.

The woman said she contacted police about the incident but was still terrified for her safety and was now in a refuge.

"I tried to go back to the property, but every time I heard a noise my heart would start racing. I couldn't sleep for almost three days. We couldn't stay there."

Department of Corrections deputy national commissioner Andy Milne said any decision to grant bail was made by the district court, and corrections was not party to proceedings.

"A person granted bail is not in corrections custody, and therefore not accompanied by corrections officers," Milne said.

Barton failed to return to Christchurch Men's Prison as scheduled and police were immediately advised, Milne said.

A police spokesman confirmed Barton's arrest warrant was still active, and they were "making enquiries" to find him.

Police request anyone with information about Barton's whereabouts contact their local police station or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.