Eliahs Kent escape from Burnside leads to disciplinary action

Staff will be punished after an inmate tricked them into mistakenly releasing him from the Central NovaScotiaCorrectional Facility earlier this month, says the province's justice minister.

According to an internal investigation, policy and procedures weren't followed the dayEliahsKnudsenKent was released, prompting a manhunt that resulted in his arrest thenext day inSpryfield.

Halifax Regional Police said a 31-year-old inmate who was supposed to be released on that date allowed Kent to pose as him and be released in his place.

Offenders at the jail have to wear a photo identificationbracelet at all times, but the investigation found that rule wasn't enforced the day Kent was let out.

His photo and signature were also not verified before he was released.

"This is a case where mistakes were clearly made and there are no excuses," said Justice Minister LenaMetlegeDiabin a release.

"It's unacceptable and we need to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Diabsaysstaff are being held accountable and will be "appropriately disciplined."

Criminal Code charges have been laid against both Kent and his helper.