Members of the public have been warned not to approach an armed robber who escaped from strict supervision while on parole in Newcastle.
40-year-old Jason Robert Herbert was last seen at 2am on Saturday near the Pacific Highway at Hexam after leaving his lodgings.
Police fear Herbert is on his way to Western Australia in search of two police officers to avenge the death of his brother.
It is understood he cut off an electronic monitoring device he was wearing on his leg.
Herbert had previously served time in jail, having been convicted of grievous bodily harm and armed robbery and given a 15-year-sentence.
He has been described as being of Caucasian appearance and between 185cm to 190cm tall. He has a medium build, hazel eyes and brown short hair.
Herbert’s brother Troy Matthew Herbert was killed in a motorbike accident in 2009 as he tried to outrun police officers in Perth.
It is believed Herbert is seeking revenge for his death and the officers are being offered protection.
“We’re aware of the situation and have taken all the necessary actions to ensure the safety and security of all WA police officers,” a WA police spokesman said.
Herbert’s mother, Ruth Herbert, has pleaded with her son to give himself up.
“Do the right thing, don’t do anything stupid, I beg you.”
This is not the first time Herbert has been on the run, he escaped authorities in July but was caught and imprisoned for four months.
The police chase was part of an inquest into deaths during or shortly after police pursuits in 2010.
It found that the police car reached 198km/h in a 60km/h zone, but the chase was aborted before the crash.
It also found Troy Herbert had consumed “very high” levels of methylamphetamine.
