A prisoner serving time for violent offending is on the run after failing to return from a funeral

The man, last seen in Porirua, failed to return to Rimutaka prison three weeks ago after a compassionate release to attend a funeral.

A public appeal by Police for information on Tegin Church didn't mention he was a current serving prisoner.

His victim wasn't told until three days after police found out he was missing.

Police say he doesn't present a specific risk to the wider public.