Hunt for inmate ‘improperly released’ from Barton jail
Police believe Shawn Delaney is ‘actively evading police’
Hamilton police are searching for an inmate that was “improperly released” from jail nearly a week ago.
In a press release Thursday, police said they were notified on Tuesday that Shawn Delaney, a 45year-old inmate at the HamiltonWentworth Detention Centre, had been released prior to serving his full sentence.
Police said an “administrative error” at the Barton Street East facility resulted in Delaney being released from custody early on March 3.
Const. Indy Bharaj told The Spectator that the administrative error at the centre of Delaney’s improper release related to a “misunderstanding” that he was “being released for time-served.”
When asked further questions about the improper release and error, Bharaj directed The Spectator to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
As of Thursday, Delaney has been unlawfully at large for nearly a week and police believe he is aware of the mistake and is “actively evading police.”
When asked about the delay between police being made aware of the improper release and the public learning of the situation, Bharaj said when officers begin an investigation, they “exhaust all (of) our leads” before they look to the public for assistance.
“This is simply due to not making the individual aware that we are looking for them and having them burrow further into hiding,” said Bharaj.
According to police, Delaney has been convicted of both “violent and non-violent offences” and is “considered a threat to the public.” Bharaj would not provide any further details on his criminal history.
Police are asking members of the public who see Delaney to call 911. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 905546-4925.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or tips online at crimestoppershamilton.com.