The inmate, 34-year-old Chad Gray Baillie, was working with a grounds maintenance crew outside the facility when it is alleged he escaped between 2pm and 2.10pm on Thursday.

Corrective Services NSW notified police and began a search of the area, and Baillie was apprehended at around 5.10pm by the side of the highway near the Caltex Service Station by the Corrective Services Security Operations Group.

Baillie is the second inmate from the centre, which only reopened two weeks ago, who is alleged to have escaped from the facility.

Kyle Ashley Dale Baker escaped from the centre just 24 hours after it was opened. He later handed himself in to police in Penrith.

Baillie appeared in Bathurst Local Court yesterday before Registrar of the Court, Mark Nicholls.

During yesterday’s brief mention, Baillie’s solicitor James Taylor told the court his client was hearing impaired, but said he had spoken to his client and explained the process of what would happen.

Mr Taylor said his client indicated that the next time he comes before the court, he wishes to do so in person, to explain the circumstances behind the incident.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Robinson said police opposed any bail application.

He said Baillie was serving a fixed term of six months and was not eligible for parole until December, adding Baillie was also considered a risk.

Mr Nicholls said the bail act meant he could not entertain any type of bail application from Baillie, who was already serving a sentence.

Mr Taylor said his client understood this, but requested that he appear in person before the next court mention.

Mr Nicholls formally refused bail and adjourned the matter until Monday, where Baillie will appear before Magistrate Michael Allen.