The man reported to have escaped custody during sentencing at Inverell court yesterday is believed to be a local.

Inverell police inspector Rowan O’Brien said Richard Gardiner had been released on bail and appeared before the local magistrate facing charges of breaching a bond warrant and resisting arrest.

Insp. O’Brien said the man fled court as the magistrate handed down a nine month term of imprisonment and though there were police officers and a sheriff present in the court, Gardiner managed to escape.

Insp. O’Brien said Gardiner is known to have stayed at a number of local residences and police are currently making inquiries around the township.

BREAKING: Friday, October 17

Police are searching for a man who escaped custody while being sentenced at a court in Inverell on Thursday.

About midday on Thursday, Richard Gardiner, aged 30, was appearing in Inverell Local Court.

At the end of sentencing he ran towards the door. Police from New England Local Area Command and a Court Sherriff Officer attempted to detain him; however he was able to escape.

He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 175cm tall with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a white Titans Rugby League shirt.

Police are conducting investigations to locate the man and urge anyone who sees him to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.