Escaped prisoner was in court for allegedly breaching family violence order, several charges

Efforts to locate Risdon prisoner Dale Anthony Michael Howlett have not proven fruitful, while a list of his recent charges can be revealed. LATEST UPDATES >>

Efforts to locate Risdon prisoner Dale Anthony Michael Howlett have not proven fruitful, while a list of his recent charges can be revealed.

The man slipped away from the Royal Hobart Hospital on Friday after receiving medical treatment.

According to a Hobart Magistrates Court list, Howlett appeared in court last Monday on 33 counts of breaching a police family violence order, one count of emotional abuse or intimidation, one count of using a carriage service to harass another person, and one count of driving while not the holder of a driver licence.

CCTV showed a shoeless Howlett jogging down Mawsons Place wearing a grey T-shirt, blue surgical face mask, maroon shorts.

The skinny-build, 185cm tall Howlett has tattoos on both sides of his neck and on the backs of both calves, as well as two full sleeve tattoos.

Tasmania Police said the man has skills that can help him survive in the bush.

Police have warned anyone who may help Howlett avoid capture could be charged with an offence for doing so.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Dale Howlett, you can contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.

Information can be provided anonymously.

Stern warning issued to friends of prison escapee

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Police say an escaped prisoner’s health could be at risk, after he fled Royal Hobart Hospital in the middle of receiving treatment on Friday afternoon.

Dale Howlett was spotted on CCTV footage on Friday, however the scent may be growing cold with over 24-hours having elapsed since he was last sighted by police.

Tasmanian Police inspector George Cretu said they were concerned for the escapee’s health and wellbeing, and would continue to search for him.

“One of our concerns is that Dale was receiving medical treatment when he escaped and we really need to also get him back to ensure that there are no complications from that treatment,” Inspector Cretu said.

Tasmania Police inspector George Cretu said Saturday's explosion was not suspicious. Picture: Kenji Sato

“That’s another good reason for him to come back in, or for someone to help him come back to police initially, and then back to corrections.”

Howlett was last caught on CCTV running barefoot down Mawsons Place near the docks wearing maroon shorts, a grey t-shirt, and a blue surgical face mask.

He is about 185 centimetres tall, skinny build, has tattoos on both sides of his neck, the backs of both calves, and two full sleeve tattoos.

Police say he is most likely not a threat to the public, but are warning people not to approach him regardless.

Officers say Howlett has bush survival skills, and will most likely be trying to get his hands on supplies, clothes, and a mobile phone.

Inspector Cretu warned Howlett’s friends that they must not harbour, hide, or otherwise aid his escape from police.

“If people who are known to Dale come across him, they must realise if they’re helping him avoid being caught, that could also be an offence or a crime and they could face the consequences.”

“We haven’t had any positive sightings of Dale in the last 24 hours, so we do encourage community members if they see him to make sure they report it to police.”

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Dale Howlett, you can contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.

Information can be provided anonymously.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12

A PRISONER who escaped custody in Hobart’s CBD on Friday afternoon has “experience living in the bush” and may be gathering supplies to continue his bid to avoid capture, police have revealed.

A police search continues for Dale Howlett, who fled while receiving medical treatment at the Royal Hobart Hospital on Friday.

He was last seen heading for the waterfront about 3.30pm.

Police released CCTV footage of Howlett on Saturday.

“He has experience living in the bush and will most likely try to acquire items such as clothing, a mobile phone or other supplies,” Tasmania Police said.

“Police are asking for members of the public to be vigilant in checking their personal belongings and to report anything out of the ordinary or missing.”

Howlett was caught on CCTV on Friday afternoon, where he can be seen wearing a plain grey T-shirt with maroon shorts and a blue surgical face mask.

Tasmania Police does not consider him a risk to the public, but has asked people not to approach him.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11

A prisoner has escaped custody in Hobart’s CBD after fleeing from hospital Friday afternoon.

Dale Howlett fled while he was being treated at the Royal Hobart Hospital about 4pm.

According to Tasmania Police, significant resources were involved in finding him.

Howlett is about 185cm tall and is believed to be wearing maroon track pants and a grey T-shirt. He has tattoos on the back of both calves, two full sleeve tattoos and tattoos on both sides of his neck.

Police also believes he may be shoeless.

He is not considered a risk to the general public.

If you have any information, contact police anonymously on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.

Information can be provided anonymously.

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