Killer Michael Aller found after two days on the run

A killer who escaped from a western NSW health facility two days ago has been found.

Victim Amy Aiton, 31, was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife.

A killer who escaped from a western NSW health facility two days ago has been found.

Police issued a “missing persons” statement on Thursday night, 24 hours after Michael Aller disappeared.

Twelve years ago Aller stabbed Amy Aiton 30 times then covered her in a blanket and left her for days while he went on drinking before ringing family and telling them what he had done.

On Thursday Amy’s mum Debbie Roberts said she was horrified and scared to receive a call around lunchtime that Aller was on the run and had been missing since Wednesday.

Ms Roberts spent two sleepless nights fearing Aller would return to the region where she lived.

Found: Michael Aller. Picture: NSW Police

On Saturday afternoon she called Orange police and was told Aller had been found and returned to the facility.

About thirty minutes later, NSW Police issued another statement saying that a 58-year-old man “who went missing from the Orange area on Wednesday has been located safe”.

“The man has been returned to hospital for admission and assessment. Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.”

NSW Police were heavily criticised for describing Aller in their plea for help as a “missing person” and failing to mention that he was dangerous and should not be approached.

Prominent victim’s advocate Howard Brown told the Telegraph on Friday - when Aller was still on the run - the fact there was nothing in the police statement to warn people “not to approach” Aller was “outrageous”.

“I am really concerned that the police are presenting an issue that bears very little resemblance to the actual situation,” Mr Brown said.

“And that is that a dangerous man is at large which is a risk to the community and they are not being advised of that risk.

“That’s the type of report you put out for people suffering from Alzheimer’s.

“What happens when you see someone that you might have recognised from media reports as missing? You go over and offer them help, you show compassion and concern for that person. You stay with them until the police arrive.

Victim: Amy Aiton was stabbed to death by Aller in 2012.

“Would you be recommending anyone to approach Aller? If someone gets injured are the NSW Police going to be responsible for anyone who tries to assist.?”

Mr Brown said “common sense” would suggest Aller would return to the areas he is familiar with - So will he take public transport? Hitchhike? Surely this poses a risk to the public?”

Former NSW detective Peter Hogan told the Daily Telegraph the victims’ family and the community deserved better.

“This person poses a serious risk to the safety of the community, a warning for the community to avoid this person if sighted and contact police immediately should have been issued. That is appropriate, not a missing person’s release.”

Mr Hogan said he had serious concerns for the safety and wellbeing of Ms Aiton’s mother Debbie, her family and the general community.

“You have to do better than contacting the victim’s family 24 hours later to advise them of what has happened,” he said.

“Surely Debbie and her family and other victims deserved better than this.”

NSW independent MP Rod Roberts said “the public has the right to know when a killer is on the run”.

“They talk about needing co-operation from the community to help solve crimes, well this request for information has to be a two-way street.

“If you need operational secrecy you’d understand but this is a killer, a violent killer, who covered his victim then went out drinking and cops have not bothered to inform the public for their own safety.”

Ms Aiton’s mum told the Telegraph she did not sleep a wink knowing her daughter’s killer was on the loose.