The maximum penalty for the offence of “escaping lawful custody” is 10 years in prison.
According to the Judicial Commission of NSW, the actual penalties imposed for the offence are as follows:
- Prison: 82.5%
- Community Correction Order: 7.5%
- Intensive Correction Order: 7.5%
- Fine Only: 2.5%
The average prison sentence for the offence is 9 months imprisonment, and the average non-parole period (or minimum prison term that must be served) is 10 months in prison.