Published Monday, 24 November, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
After 30 years on the run, long arm of law finally catches up with offender
After more than 30 years on the run, a man is to be returned to Queensland to complete his jail sentence, after being arrested yesterday (Sunday 23 November) in Tasmania.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services Judy Spence said the offender’s long game of hide and seek is up as Queensland police move to extradite the man, who is expected back in Queensland later this week.
The 57-year-old was sentenced in Queensland in 1974 to five years’ jail for break and enter and stealing offences.
He was granted parole in February 1977 but it was cancelled the following month after he absconded. He was later sentenced to a seven year jail term after he was convicted of shooting with intent to resist arrest.
Ms Spence said Queensland Corrective Services and Queensland Police Service’s intelligence systems reach across our State and Territory borders.
“These people can run but they can’t hide forever,” she said.
“An offender who absconds on bail, probation or parole will live their entire lives looking over their shoulder because one day they will be caught.
“They will be found and brought back before the courts to face their original charges and an extended jail term.”
Ms Spence said the arrested man was one of the targets of Operation Alpha Cashmere – a police taskforce launched in February 2002 to track down 411 parole absconders.
Under the Operation Alpha Taskforce, more than 268 absconders have been returned to secure custody in Queensland, 62 warrants were recalled by the issuing authority; 41 people are deceased, six are in custody in other states and 13 reside overseas.
Media contact: 3239 6218
Minister for Police and Corrective Services Judy Spence said the offender’s long game of hide and seek is up as Queensland police move to extradite the man, who is expected back in Queensland later this week.
The 57-year-old was sentenced in Queensland in 1974 to five years’ jail for break and enter and stealing offences.
He was granted parole in February 1977 but it was cancelled the following month after he absconded. He was later sentenced to a seven year jail term after he was convicted of shooting with intent to resist arrest.
Ms Spence said Queensland Corrective Services and Queensland Police Service’s intelligence systems reach across our State and Territory borders.
“These people can run but they can’t hide forever,” she said.
“An offender who absconds on bail, probation or parole will live their entire lives looking over their shoulder because one day they will be caught.
“They will be found and brought back before the courts to face their original charges and an extended jail term.”
Ms Spence said the arrested man was one of the targets of Operation Alpha Cashmere – a police taskforce launched in February 2002 to track down 411 parole absconders.
Under the Operation Alpha Taskforce, more than 268 absconders have been returned to secure custody in Queensland, 62 warrants were recalled by the issuing authority; 41 people are deceased, six are in custody in other states and 13 reside overseas.
Media contact: 3239 6218