Joint statement from New Zealand Police and the Department of Corrections.
Police investigations have determined that prison absconder Phillip John Smith left New Zealand by plane for Chile travelling on a passport previously obtained in his birth name, Phillip John Traynor.
Mr Smith left New Zealand in the afternoon of Thursday 6 November, the day he was temporarily released, under agreed supervision of a sponsor, from Springhill Prison.
NZ Police have this morning been advising Mr Smith's victims of this latest development in the investigation.
Corrections and Department of Internal Affairs have been working closely with NZ Police in order to assist them with the inquiry.
The circumstances of Mr Smith obtaining a passport, making arrangements to leave New Zealand, and who assisted in these actions, are the subject of a sustained and intense multi-agency investigation.
Police have, through Interpol, notified the Chilean authorities of Mr Smith’s criminal history, status and known identities.
Police will pursue all available avenues to return Mr Smith to New Zealand, where he would be likely to face further charges due to his absconding.
ENDS
Media Conference Advisory - 3.00 pm today:
A joint media conference will be held on these matters at Police National Headquarters, 180 Molesworth Street, Wellington with Police and the Department of Corrections at 3pm today.
Media please wait at the ground floor reception where you will be met.