Hawke's Bay funeral fugitive recaptured

A man who fled while on bail which was granted so he could attend his sons funeral was located by Hawke's Bay police late last night.

Joseph Tira Rangi was remanded in custody on Tuesday after pleading guilty a domestic violence incident during which he bit his partner's face, punched her and gagged her screams with her own scarf.

However, he was granted a day release to attend the funeral of his 15-year-old son, and never returned to the Hawke's Bay Regional Prison.

Hastings Police Senior Sergeant Brian Smith said Rangi was located at a Hastings address about 11pm last night.

Mr Smith said Rangi was detained in the police cells overnight, before an appearance in Hastings District Court today.