Approximately 11:00am on Thursday the 26th of April 2012, staff from the Ashley Detention Centre escorted 18-year-old Samuel Troy LESLIE (current Ashley detainee) to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment of a medical condition.

Following treatment, the staff were escorting LESLIE back to their vehicle, at which point he escaped custody and fled on foot through the car park on the western side of the hospital.  He was last seen running west on Cleveland Street towards Wellington Street.  No violence was offered by LESLIE at the time of escaping.

Officers from Launceston Uniform, the Public Order Response Team and Launceston CIB, saturated the area and searched a number of properties, however, LESLIE was not located.

At the time of escaping LESLIE’s hands were handcuffed in front of him and he was wearing navy blue shorts and a blue t-shirt.  He was also in possession of a blue and black flannelette shirt that was covering his handcuffs.

He is 180cm tall, slim build, brown hair with a white complexion.

While LESLIE is not considered dangerous, any person sighting him is asked not to approach him and notify Tasmania Police immediately.

Any person sighting or having knowledge of LESLIE’s whereabouts are asked to contact Tasmania Police Service on 131444, via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Launceston Police Station on 0363 363701.

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