A dramatic courtroom escape that sparked a five-day man hunt has triggered criticism of a justice system's use of private security.
A 44-year-old bikie went on the run after jumping the dock and evading G4S private security guards at Darwin Local Court on Friday, fleeing on foot through the city's CBD.
He was tracked down five days later by a dog squad following a tip-off after fleeing into bushland south of Darwin.
The Northern Territory government has come under fire for hiring G4S to manage inmate escorts and transfers in a bid to take pressure off prison officers.
The incident highlighted the risk to the community's safety of outsourcing public sector jobs, the Community and Public Sector Union said.
"Taxpayers have every right to question whether this is the best way forward given it's their money paying for these expensive private security companies," the union's NT regional secretary Suwan Adamson said in a statement.
“This government should be investing in trusted public service employees to deliver important services for the Territory.”
G4S has been contacted for comment.
An extensive search was triggered when the alleged Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang member escaped Darwin Local Court on June 5.
He was before the courts regarding a gang taskforce investigation into large-scale drug supply across Darwin and East Arnhem Land, as well as serious firearm offences.
The man was tracked across Darwin but "actively evaded" authorities with the help of known associates, police said.
Seven people were arrested during the search including a 26-year-old man who was charged with aiding and abetting.
A tip-off led officers to Palmerston, south of Darwin, on Tuesday afternoon where he was spotted by officers, prompting the man to flee into bushland.
Police body-worn footage shows a man running away before a dog squad helps track him down.
"This has been a significant effort by police, who have worked around the clock to locate this offender," Detective Sergeant Kenneth Bradshaw said.
"He was actively avoiding police and receiving assistance while on the run, but our members remained relentless in their pursuit."
The man has been charged with additional offences, including escaping lawful custody, possessing a prohibited drug and possessing a prohibited weapon.
He was set to appear in Darwin Local Court on Wednesday.
