Darko Desic escaped Grafton Jail, fearing he’d be sent back to his war-torn homeland. Evading authorities took some commitment.
A stonemason born overseas who spent almost 30 years a fugitive on the northern beaches after using a blade and bolt cutters to escape from Grafton jail will be allowed to stay in Australia.
“It’s a common-sense decision. It appears the immigration department has acted swiftly in granting this man the right to stay in Australia. He wants to take a breath, and see his close friends.”His real name is Darko Desic, but was known as Dougie during his years on the run. He was in jail for cannabis cultivation in the early 1990s but broke out of Grafton prison with a blade and bolt cutters, fearing he’d be sent to the front line in war-torn Croatia when he was released.
Under Australian law, the visas of non-citizens who have served more than 12 months in prison are cancelled. However, the minister can use their discretion, considering the risk someone poses to Australians and the problems the person might face if they are sent home.
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