Qld escapee carjacks elderly woman

A Queensland prisoner has been recaptured after assaulting police, fleeing custody and forcing an elderly woman to drive him to a nearby town.

The 25-year-old man was being escorted on foot back to the Gatton watchhouse, in southeast Queensland, on Monday after attending court when he broke free and jumped in to a 76-year-old woman's car.

He demanded she drive her to Helidon, 15 minutes away, and then fled without injuring her.

He was found a short time later in a home, and will face Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday on a string of offences including escape lawful custody, deprivation of liberty and assault police.