Prisoner escapes from jail one day after it reopens

The minimum security jail was controversially close in 2011 with the loss of 57 jobs at part of a state-wide restructure.

But on Thursday it was recommissioned by State Minister for Corrective Services David Elliott.

At the reopening officials boasted of a complete upgrade of the facility, including extensive improvements to prison security and communications.

Despite this, 23-year-old Kyle Ashley Dale Baker managed to escape the prison.

Chifley local area command’s Facebook page announced the escape and urged the community to share its post to social media.

“Police are seeking the assistance of the public in trying to locate a male who escaped from the newly recommissioned Kirkconnell Minimum Security Correctional Centre,” the post read.”

It further stated the escape occurred some time between 5.30pm on Friday, July 31 and 7.30am on Saturday, August 1.

Baker is 170-180 centimetres tall with a thin build and weighs between 65-75 kilograms.

“He is Caucasian with a fair complexion and has brown hair and hazel eyes,” the Facebook post added.

“He may have a scruffy beard.”

Baker was serving a sentence for aggravated break and enter and is not considered to be a risk to members of the community.

Police believe the prisoner may have already left the Chifley local command area.

Police have urged anyone who may see him or know of his whereabouts not to approach the prisoner but contact triple-0 or crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin told the Western Advocate on Thursday that the prison has a strong focus on programs.

“The inmates will be towards the end of their sentence, so releasing them back into the community will be a priority,” he said.

Kirkconnell Correctional Facility will hold 260 minimum-security inmates, mostly young men on shorter sentences. 

The prison will employ 33 custodial staff, 15 industry staff, 10 people involved with programs, and two administrative staff.

Western Advocate, Bathurst