Father on run with his three children

Police believe wanted man Thomas Phillips is on the run with his three children. Phillips, 34, was due to appear in Te Ku¯ iti District Court on Wednesday charged with causing wasteful deployment of police personnel and resources in relation to a largescale search for him and his three children, Jayda Jin, Maverick and Ember, in September. He failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Waikato west area commander Inspector Will Loughrin said police were still trying to track him down. ‘‘Police continue to make inquiries to establish the whereabouts of Tom Phillips, who we believe is currently with his three children.’’ Police were receiving useful information from members of public who, after the events of September, were aware of both what Phillips and his children looked like. Phillips went bush with his children for a second time in December, prompting police monitoring but not a search. Stuff understands he has not yet re-emerged. In court, Phillips’ lawyer Garth O’Brien appeared via audio-visual link. He confirmed his client had been advised of the court date, but had not been in contact since.