Convicted murderer and child molester Phillip John Smith has departed Rio de Janeiro on the first step of his journey back to New Zealand.
The New Zealand police have confirmed he had been deported from Brazil today.
Smith left Rio de Janeiro this morning escorted by three New Zealand police officers, who would be with him for the duration of the journey, police said.
The Brazil Federal Court last week ordering his deportation within 10 days.
Radio New Zealand correspondent Alexandre Tortoriello was at Rio airport and said Smith's luggage was checked in by two Brazil police officers, and a New Zealand official.
Tortoriello did not see Smith himself but did see his luggage, and was able to view his passport.
The flight from Rio was scheduled to leave for Santiago in Chile this morning, before connecting with a flight to Auckland, Tortoriello said.
