The 41-year-old allegedly ran away from the St Heliers centre about 6am on Wednesday.

At the time, he was believed to be heading to Gunnedah.

Following a wide scale search, about 7am on Thursday, police attended a car park on Byng Street, Orange, and arrested him without incident.

He was taken to Orange Police Station and charged with inmate escape/attempt to escape from lawful custody.

He was refused bail to appear at Orange Local Court on Thursday, October 11.