Australia's "runaway groom" skips bail, abandons wife two days after getting married

An Australian man who was allowed a weekend release from jail so he could get married is on the loose and poses a threat to the public, Victorian police said on Monday.

Murat Shomshe, 33, was approved bail after he told a Melbourne court he would lose a 4,400 U.S dollar deposit on his wedding day, but, just two days after the ceremony, ran away from his bride while she was in the shower.

Shomshe has been on the run for a week and, according to Victoria Police on Monday, poses a significant threat to the public as he has a violent history and extensive links to bikie gangs.

He was offered bail the day before his wedding but was ordered to face the county court two days later so he could be taken back into custody.

Instead, police believe he ran away while his bride was getting ready for that court appearance.

Ron Iddles, head of the Police Association, slammed the decision to grant Shomshe bail, saying that it "raises more questions than answers."

He told Melbourne radio station 3AW that the decision has not only put the public at risk, but members of the police force as well.

"The tough job our members do is (now) tougher," he said on Monday.

"They've now go to go out and find this person and maybe put themselves at risk.

"He's probably on his honeymoon somewhere now without his wife. "

Meanwhile Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said the case of the "runaway groom" was an error and "reminds us how important" a bail review is.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told 3AW radio the man posed a danger to the public and to police.

"He's got a bit of a history of offenses involving violent assaults, and he's had previous access to firearms," he said on Monday.

At the time of bail being approved, County Court judge Richard Maidment said the special "conditions" surrounding Shomshe's application played a part in the approval of bail.

"I think I'd be inclined on conditions to grant him bail over the weekend, but expect him to surrender into custody again on Monday morning," he said at the time.

Police are still hunting for the man, who is expected to be hiding in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Endi