Darren Albert Jolly (51) was found by Canterbury police on State Highway 1, near Pegasus, late on Monday after breaching the conditions of his extended supervision order (ESO) and leaving the Tasman region earlier in the day.
Jolly was released to Dunedin earlier this year, prompting some City Rise schools to warn pupils and their families about a sex offender living in the area.
Jolly is subject to strict supervision conditions under a 10-year ESO after amassing more than 110 convictions for sex with underage girls, indecent sex acts, fraud, theft, assault and dangerous driving.
He has breached the order 15 times, prompting the Sensible Sentencing Trust to criticise the Department of Corrections' management of him and question why Jolly was not subject to a public protection order (PPO).
A PPO is a court order that allows the detention of very high-risk individuals at a secure facility within prison grounds.
''Jolly is a prime candidate for a public protection order and if Corrections don't want to apply for one we will take them to task on that,'' trust child abuse national spokesman Scott Guthrie said.
''We have had several offenders under ESOs this year that have cut their bracelets off.''
''ESOs aren't working and PPOs are the only way to keep people safe.''
Corrections deputy national commissioner Rachel Leota said the department had not applied for a PPO as Jolly ''would not meet the threshold''.
''PPOs are a method of managing high-risk individuals until they no longer pose a serious and imminent threat to public safety.
Only a very small number of people are likely to become subject to PPOs and the threshold is very high.''
Jolly was being managed on an extended supervision order.
''ESOs are used to both monitor and manage long-term risks posed by high-risk sex offenders or very high-risk violent offenders following their release from prison.
‘‘PPOs and ESOs are granted by the court. His compliance with conditions is closely managed by a team of experienced probation staff.’’
Non-compliance with any conditions was ‘‘addressed promptly’’, Ms Leota said.
‘‘The frequency of breach charges laid against this offender demonstrates Corrections’ commitment to his strict management by ensuring a strong and swift response to non-compliance.’’
Jolly evaded authorities for weeks during one breach of the order and breached it within days of release from prison last year.
Mr Guthrie said it should be up to the court to decide if Jolly was eligible for a PPO.
Jolly appeared in the Christchurch District Court yesterday facing charges related to breaching his ESO.
He was remanded in custody and will appear again today.
A Corrections spokeswoman said the department would oppose bail.
