Freedom for one of Waikato's most wanted offenders

One of Waikato's most wanted offenders was set free just as quick as he was arrested after appearing in Hamilton District Court yesterday.

Blue Hayward, 21, was yesterday granted bail by Community Magistrate Pat Oettli after he appeared on a charge of failing to answer court bail. Hayward, who also faces a charge of shoplifting, featured in Saturday's Waikato Times profiling the region's 11 most wanted offenders as part of Operation Persil.

Waikato police spokesman Andrew McAlley said police were following strong leads of inquiry after the article in the Times on Saturday. "We have received good support and are looking into inquiries."

A member of the public also contacted the paper after spotting Hamilton man Michael Pene, 24. Police hoped the naming and shaming of the 11 criminals would drive them out of hiding. Hayward did not enter a plea and will reappear next month.

Others on the run: Paul Callagher, 38, Michael Murray Stevens, 35, Ross Williams, 23, Dion Noda, 22, Johnny Cook, 29, Jamie Maxwell, 28, Danny Mooney, 43, Joseph Rameka, 26, and Nicholas Roberts.

- © Fairfax NZ News