AN official investigation will be launched into security at the Langi Kal Kal Prison farm after escapee Christopher John Clarke was arrested on Friday afternoon.
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Clarke, 29, was arrested at a petrol station in Colac after escaping from the prison at Trawalla near Beaufort sometime between 9pm Wednesday and 7am Thursday.
He was detained along with a 44-year-old woman from Werribee.
Clarke was transported by Ballarat detectives for questioning and remand last night while his companion was bailed to face court at a later date.
He had been serving time for burglary and theft-related matters and was due to be reviewed for parole next year before he escaped.
On Thursday, Victoria Police released an image of Clarke and said they believed he was travelling with an associate in a 2000 silver Ford Falcon.
A Corrections Victoria spokesperson yesterday confirmed a review of security at the low-security prison farm would be launched by the independent Office of Correctional Services Review.
No information about the timeframe or breadth of the review was released.
Former Ballarat Province MP Dianne Hadden said she was surprised an inmate had staged a successful escape from the prison during a nighttime lock down.
In 2006, Ms Hadden raised concerns that released sex offenders would relocate to Ballarat after leaving Langi Kal Kal and Ararat Prison for access to Corrections Victoria offices and local welfare agencies.
“Langi Kal Kal works as an operation prison farm for inmates who have come from other centres and are being transitioned out of prison but it is very surprising that anyone could get out during the night,” Ms Hadden said.
“I would expect that will raise some concerns for the prison, as adequate security should be in place so prisoners can’t get out at night.”
The Courier yesterday sought comment from Rippon MP Joe Helper, whose electorate takes in the Langi Kal Kal prison, but he was not available.
thomas.mcilroy@fairfaxmedia.com.au