Police hunt escaped prisoner in Wanganui

Police are hunting a sentenced prisoner who escaped from Whanganui District Court about 11.30am today.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Ricky Shane Stampa, 27, who is understood to have connections in Wanganui and Palmerston North.

Stampa has been sentenced to prison on charges including reckless driving and failing to stop.

He is described as a caucasian with medium build, and 175cm tall.

When last seen, he was wearing a dark, patterned sweatshirt over a red t-shirt, and dark blue trackpants.

Members of the public should not allow Stampa to use their motor vehicle, or put themselves at risk by travelling with him in a motor vehicle.