Wanted man who once handed himself by helicopter now wanted again

A wanted fugitive made international headlines after handing himself in with style – now he’s on the run again.

It was May 27, 2021, when the then 33-year-old James Bryant walked into the Dunedin Central Police Station, flanked by jailhouse lawyer Arthur Taylor and legal advocate Hazel Heal, to be taken into custody.

It is what unfolded hours earlier that garnered interest. Bryant had chartered a helicopter from his hiding place in bush at Herbert, North Otago, where he spent his time practising yoga.

“He wanted to come out in style,” Taylor, who helped broker the deal, said of the chopper ride.

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Before handing himself in, Bryant ate 30 Bluff oysters and drank Moët & Chandon champagne.

His escapade featured in the New York Times and BBC.

Before he handed himself in, police warned the public not to approach him, saying he was considered dangerous.

A police spokesperson confirmed a warrant to arrest was issued in October last year when the now 34-year-old Bryant failed to appear in court.

Inquiries have been ongoing since to find Bryant, believed to be in the Auckland or Dunedin areas.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police by calling 105, making a report online, or calling CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.