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‘Embarrassing’: Man mistakenly released from prison arrested in Newcastle

April 17, 2026 9:52 am in by
Image: Supplied (NSW Police)

A man mistakenly released from a northern NSW prison has been arrested in Newcastle following a two‑day police search.

Kyle Quayle, 35, was released from Clarence Correctional Centre near Grafton on Tuesday due to what authorities say was an administrative error. Police were notified and immediately began inquiries into his whereabouts.

Investigators determined Quayle had travelled south and was last seen at the Newcastle Interchange on Thursday morning, prompting a search spanning Newcastle to Taree. He was arrested later that afternoon in Hamilton North.

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Quayle was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged by virtue of an outstanding warrant. He was refused bail and will appear before Bail Court today.

Image: Darren Cutrupi

Premier Chris Minns described the incident as “embarrassing”, saying it should not occur given modern identification systems. The Department of Communities and Justice says it is reviewing how the error occurred and will take steps to prevent it happening again.

Police say there was minimal risk to the community during the search.

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