A manhunt was launched after Jennings, 26, failed to return to Morisset Psychiatric Hospital from day release.

Police allege he robbed the 50-year-old man at his Sydney home. Jennings was on day release at the time of the alleged robbery, returning to hospital late that night after telling staff his train was running late.

He was allowed on day release again from 2pm the next day, when he absconded from Morisset.

The alleged victim said he believed patient monitoring needed to be improved.

He said he believed better monitoring through ankle bracelets or similar devices could ensure patients were easily located.

‘‘First things first, protect the community,’’ he said.

‘‘This is not about me, it’s about making a difference.’’

The Newcastle Herald previously reported that Hunter New England Health was being independently investigated with leave arrangements, internet access and passport and driver’s licensing for patients all under review.

The alleged victim said he believed introducing simple methods of monitoring day release patients should be implemented.

‘‘When you are a child, you tell your parents where you are going,’’ he said.

‘‘I just don’t understand why people in these authorities that we put in place to protect people aren’t [asking the same of patients.]’’

Jennings is facing charges of detaining a person for advantage, car theft, robbery and gaining a financial benefit by deception. He is due to face court again in March.

A report into the disappearance of Jennings had failed to address patients’ access to illegal drugs and alcohol, victims advocates say.

Howard Brown, of the Victims of Crime Assistance League, says mental health patients found not guilty of murder and other serious crimes are among Morisset patients accessing illegal drugs and alcohol.

Jennings was committed to psychiatric care after being found not guilty by reason of mental illness for killing his gay lover during a drug-fuelled sex romp in 2003.

NSW chief psychiatrist John Allan released his report yesterday into Jennings’s disappearance.

Dr Allan’s report found that staff failed to confirm Jennings had actually been with the support groups where he received counselling.