Kiama MP questioning NSW parliament on David Johnson’s alleged South Coast prison escape
A prisoner’s recent attempt to flee the big house, allegedly for the third time, has put the NSW Government under pressure, with one MP in parliament demanding answers on why he was housed in minimum security despite his history.
The South Coast News
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NSW parliament has come under pressure from an MP to explain how a prisoner with a history of busting out of the big house allegedly escaped a South Coast jail for the third time.
David Johnson, 44, is accused of fleeing South Coast Correctional Centre’s minimum-security wing on January 29, sparking a 10-day manhunt involving helicopters and public appeals.
He was finally pinched by cops on February 4, more than 100km away in the ACT.
Johnson was charged with escaping lawful custody, larceny, and stealing a vehicle before being sent back to the same jail he allegedly escaped from.
However, court documents revealed this alleged escape was not his first time, with Johnson previously escaping the same facility twice for unrelated offences.
His latest alleged attempt came after being taken into custody on November 5 last year.
He was due for release on July 4, 2026.
Johnson faced Nowra Local Court on February 11 before Magistrate Lisa Viney, but is yet to enter pleas.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward is now demanding answers, arguing the community deserves to know how the alleged escape occurred.
In state parliament on February 12, he questioned Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong, asking why Johnson — despite his history — was in minimum security and what precautions were in place at the time.
Other questions included Johnson’s alleged method of escape and what he was behind bars for in the first place.
Minister Chanthivong is expected to respond by March 19.
Despite the minister yet to answer questions, a NSW Corrections spokeswoman said an inmate’s security classification determined where they were housed and how they were managed within custody.
“Previous escapes or attempts do not automatically disqualify an inmate for minimum-security placement, rather it is among various considerations in classification and placement decisions,” she said.
“The legislation states, when determining an inmate’s classification and placement, that several specific criteria must be considered including advice from NSW Police and CSNSW records, and information about previous escapes or escape attempts.”
Johnson’s case returns to Nowra Local Court on February 25.
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