Man in court for helping escapee

A SOUTHERN Downs man has pleaded guilty to helping a fugitive escape from custody, but claimed he only assisted the man out of fear after finding him in the boot of his car.

The Stanthorpe Magistrates Court heard Brodie Joseph Brennan was involved in Clayton Michael-John Alvoen’s escape on April 28 after he allegedly headbutted a police officer and fled from the Warwick courthouse.

Police prosecutor Steve de Lissa said Brennan had unknowingly helped Mr Alvoen flee from the Warwick courthouse, as the fugitive got into the boot of Brennan’s unlocked car after her after got away from police custody.

“This defendant was in the foyer of the courthouse talking to (Mr) Alvoen’s lawyer when it's believed Alvoen ran straight to the defendant’s vehicle,” Sergeant de Lissa said.

The court was then told how Brennan, his partner and Alvoen’s partner had pulled over on Old Stanthorpe Rd after hearing thumping noises coming from the car boot.

After finding Mr Alvoen, Sergeant de Lissa said Brennan hesitantly agreed to continue driving him away from town as he was “frightened” and “scared” of the fugitive.

“Ultimately it wasn’t a planned thing and that once (Brennan) had knowledge of it, he did nothing to stop it,” he said.

Brennan, who was a passenger in the car, kicked Mr Alvoen out of the car boot once they arrived in Dalveen.

Magistrate Julian Noud said Brennan’s actions were “pretty significant” as police were using plenty of resources in their search for the fugitive.

Defence lawyer Dorothy Switala said her client would plead guilty to one charge of aiding persons to escape from lawful custody.

The matter was adjourned until October 26.