Man found submerged in mud after dog squad chase

A GOLD Coast man slathered himself in mud to hide from police after fleeing the scene of a serious crash, only to be busted with a loaded gun and cocaine.

Southport Magistrates Court was told that Troy Aviet’s vehicle was speeding erratically northbound on the M1 about 5.30pm on May 19, moments before colliding with another car.

The Bulletin reported at the time that two women and an infant were in the other vehicle.

Police prosecutor Michael Vanderhelm said Aviet and another person were seen fleeing from the scene on foot.

He said they were tracked by detectives and the dog squad through Oxenford and towards Upper Coomera, where Aviet was seen sprinting into nearby bushland with a black backpack.

Officers used thermal technology to locate the 34-yearold, finding him completely submerged in mud about 20m from his discarded bag.

“(Police found) two clipseal bags containing a white powder consistent with cocaine, a loaded silver handgun complete with a full magazine and a round in the chamber, a Versace box carrying spare ammunition, a face mask, a bank card, (and) a quantity of clothing,” Sen Const Vanderhelm said.

Aviet was arrested at the scene and had been in custody for eight months when he appeared in court on Friday.

Defence lawyer Vered Turner said the Willow Vale man had been sentenced to jail by the time he was 20, and had since spent a large part of his adult life behind bars.

She said Aviet had started to turn his life around before this incident, largely due to his new partner and her 13-month-old daughter, who he treated as his own.

“He has made some changes to himself while in custody, (including) trying to better himself by seeing a psychologist,” Ms Turner said.

“He’s had eight months now to think about his partner, to think about his partner’s daughter … he is extremely looking forward to getting out when he can.”

Aviet pleaded guilty to one count of possessing dangerous drugs, unauthorised possession of a weapon, and unauthorised possession of explosives.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ jail, with parole release on May 18.