Prisoner remanded on escape charge

Recaptured escaped prisoner Piripi Wiremu Raroa was remanded for a week to apply for legal aid when he appeared in Christchurch District Court this morning.

Raroa was charged with escaping after he wandered away from a work party on February 2.

He was a minimum security prisoner who was on temporary release to take part in community employment.

He was found at a house in Woodham Road, Linwood, and caught by police after a brief chase on foot yesterday.

Christchurch District Court Judge Michael Crosbie remanded him to February 18.

- NZPA