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.