Police warn public not to approach offender

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Police are hunting a violent offender who disappeared from his Westport house less than month after being released from prison on parole.

Joshua Andrew Garlick, 23, was sentenced to two years and two months jail for punching a man unconscious, hitting another over the head with an iron bar and escaping police custody in June last year.

"Don't approach him or get involved in any confrontations with him, but phone police immediately," Greymouth police intelligence supervisor Rodney Beckett said.

Garlick served 17 months before he was paroled on November 2.

He disappeared from his Derby St home in Westport, about 11.30pm on Tuesday.

"He has got many associates in Westport," Mr Beckett said.

"We believe he is possibly with one of his associates, who may be harbouring him."

At his sentencing it was revealed Garlick, who had serious drug and alcohol problem, had five previous violence convictions and one previous escape conviction.

Judge Noel Walsh noted he had a poor record in complying with community-based sentences.

Garlick appeared before the parole board in September, which said there was a "relatively high risk" in releasing him on residential restrictions, but prison had little to offer him before his release in May next year.

- NZPA