Rockhampton prisoner Barry Bloomfield arrested after alleged escape

After allegedly assaulting guards and a nurse to escape custody, a prison inmate considered ‘dangerous’ by police has been recaptured. SEE VIDEO OF HIS ARREST.

A 23-year-old man has been recaptured after allegedly assaulting guards and a nurse before escaping lawful custody at the weekend.

Barry Kenneth Bloomfield, a Queensland Corrective Service inmate, was sitting on a lounge in a Berserker unit watching Border Security when police arrested him around 12.50pm Monday.

He was taken into custody and was charged with two counts of serious assault corrective services officer and one count each of escape lawful custody and serious assault of public officer performing function after allegedly absconding from the Rockhampton Hospital on Canning St on Saturday morning.

He is currently serving a 2½-year prison sentence for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Shortly after his alleged escape, CCTV images of Bloomfield pictured him allegedly fleeing on foot after removing his handcuffs.

On Monday morning, police made a public appeal for assistance to find Bloomfield before he was taken back into custody hours later.

CCTV of Barry Bloomfield leaving Rockhampton Hospital on foot.

Det Act Insp Peachey had advised members of the public not to approach Bloomfield if he was seen.

“His offences are acts of violence which is why we reiterate not to approach this male, we consider him dangerous...it’s a high priority for us to find this person and put him back in custody,” he said.

Det Act Insp Peachey said police used multiple resources in their search for the prisoner.

“A number of addresses and addresses of interest have been searched...we’re following up a number of locations as we speak,” he said.

“I just want to make sure people are also aware of anyone who may be harbouring him or assisting him in his escape, they could face possible prosecution with offences of up to seven years imprisonment.

Barry Bloomfield. Picture: QLD Police

“People need to have a hard, long think about what their actions are at the moment, they may only think they’re hiding out a friend, relative or person they know, but those actions could get you in trouble.”

Bloomfield was found on Monday afternoon and taken back into custody.

Police investigations are continuing.

Originally published as Rockhampton prisoner Barry Bloomfield arrested after alleged escape