Updated 2:20pm: Our government is footing the bill, when Phillip John Smith is sent back from Brazil.

The convicted murderer and child sex offender fled New Zealand two weeks ago while on temporary release from prison.

But now a Brazilian judge has ordered Smith be sent home within ten days, saying it's in Brazil's interests to deport him immediately.

Judge Flavio Roberto de Souza says the New Zealand government has offered to send police officers to escort him back, as well as pay for all the costs related to the trip. 

Smith fled New Zealand two weeks ago while on temporary release from Spring Hill Prison, using a passport issued in his birth name Traynor.

"The New Zealand Government offered to send police officers to escort Phillip John Traynor back and pay for all costs related to the trip," Judge de Souza said in his decision.

"Given the detainee's dangerousness and the information received from the Federal Police, that he intended to stay in Brazilian territory - and for that purpose was planning to get married and have children here - the immediate deportation is convenient to national interests.

"Therefore, I request his deportation to the country of his citizenship in up to 10 days."

Brazil's Federal Police has been negotiating Smith's deportation with New Zealand Police. Brazil's Ministry of Justice and the Federal Police said the case was classified and would not comment.

Smith was arrested in Brazil last Thursday at a backpackers hostel in central Rio de Janeiro and has been in a Brazilian prison since.