By PAUL MILLAR
POLICE have launched a manhunt for a troubled Geelong man – who fled a minimum security jail – fearing that he could cause serious harm to himself.
Fugitive Taskforce detectives have expressed concern for the welfare of Matthew James Boland, who was reported missing from the minimum-security Dhurringile Prison, near Murchison, on Sunday night.
The 36-year-old father of three children, from two separate relationships, was in the latter stages of a six-month sentence for property damage and is regarded as a low-risk prisoner.
He has not been seen since his escape and police believe that he could have fled to his home town.
Detective Sergeant Mick Gunn from the taskforce said Boland was not a hardened criminal and was doing his first stint in prison.
“He is from a good family and has two children to one lady and one to another and as far as we are aware he has not tried to contact them,’’ he told the Independent.
“We have no leads on him at all, we know that all his family and friends are from the Geelong area and nobody has heard from him.
“We want him to give himself up or to contact his family to let them know that he is all right,’’ Det Sgt Gunn said.
Boland is believed to be without funds and sources said that he was a deep thinker.
“Police together with Matthew’s family and friends are concerned that Matthew may attempt to harm himself and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward,” a police spokeswoman said.
“Investigators are also appealing to Matthew to come forward and let us know that he is okay,” she said.
Anybody with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto crimestoppers.com.au.
UPDATE: Police reported they had recaptured Matthew Boland.
