Clemency hope for veteran escapee

A MAN who escaped Grafton prison in 1992 and evaded capture for almost 30 years on Sydney’s Northern Beaches will plead guilty, but should not return to prison, his lawyer says.

Darko “Dougie” Desic appeared before Central Local Court on Tuesday over videolink from the maximum security men’s prison at Silverwater.

He handed himself into Dee

Why police station on September 12, 29 years after he allegedly used a hacksaw blade and bolt cutters to break free from Grafton prison on the night of July 31, 1992.

In the ensuing years, Mr Desic, now 64, worked as a builder but fell on hard times in the pandemic.

His lawyer Paul Mcgirr said outside court on Tuesday that Desic’s unusual life was a clear demonstration of rehabilitation.

“He’s proved over 30 years he hasn’t reoffended, so what’s the purpose of locking him away again?” Mr Mcgirr said.

The solicitor told Magistrate Robert Williams Desic would plead guilty. He said his plan was to seek clemency for Desic’s original 3½-year sentence for growing marijuana.

“He’s struggling. He’s handed himself in. He’s just humbled by the fact there’s people out there who want to see him get out,” he said. Desic will be sentenced on October 28.