Tragic end to mammoth hunt for missing judge who abandoned his phone, wallet and Toyota HiLux and disappeared into the bush – after controversial judicial comments were branded ‘cruel and insulting’
- Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew left his home in Brisbane early Sunday
- His car was found at 2pm on Monday next to bushland at Dillon Rd, The Gap
- Police fear he could be 155km away from where he abandoned his Toyota Hilux
- Cops on Thursday found the body of a man during their search for Judge Andrew
Judge Andrew last seen leaving his home in Brisbane’s north early Sunday morning heading toward Mt Coot-tha, where he takes his morning walk
The body of a 55-year-old man has been discovered by police during a search for a high profile judge who went missing in bushland on Sunday.
Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew, 55, was last seen leaving his home in Brisbane‘s north early on Sunday morning heading toward Mt Coot-tha, where he regularly goes on morning walks.
His car was found at 2pm on Monday next to bushland at Dillon Rd, The Gap, but he has not been seen since.
Queensland Police Service on Thursday night said they found the body of a man during their search, but it is not confirmed if it is Judge Andrew who was found.
The body has not yet been formally identified, and the investigation is ongoing, Queensland Police confirmed.
The Australian Defence Force were called in to assist in the desperate search Judge Andrew.
Brisbane barrister Robin Slade Jones said he believes Judge Andrew may have travelled up to 150km from The Gap, where his Toyota HiLux was found on Monday.
‘By now he will be hungry, thirsty and exhausted,’ he told The Courier-Mail.
‘He set off not wanting to be found. He did not take his phone or wallet. Guy might be just off the beaten track.’
Queensland Police Service said it has pulled in ‘sufficient resources for the operation.’
Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew (pictured) has gone missing sparking a widespread search after his car was found abandoned on the side of the road
‘Search efforts have included Polair, dive squad, police on foot and on bikes, State Emergency Services volunteers and other external agencies along with a large community effort,’ a QPS statement said.
Police on Tuesday used drones, boats and all-terrain vehicles to search for Judge Andrew, who went missing amid concerns about his conduct in court.
Judge Andrew is described as white, 176cm tall with grey hair and brown eyes.
Police and family previously said they hold grave concerns for his welfare.
Judge Andrew dealt with six family court matters in the Brisbane Federal Circuit Court on Friday, two days before he went missing.
Last month, two lawyers complained about Judge Andrew’s behaviour, prompting him to receive counselling and mentoring.
In September’s judgement, the full bench found Judge Andrew had shown ‘apprehended bias and abused his power’ when presiding over a family law case.
His car was found at 2pm on Monday next to a bush at Dillon Rd, The Gap (pictured) but there are now fears he could be 155km away
A three-judge bench ruled there was ‘no basis’ for Judge Andrew’s ‘cruel, insulting, humiliating and rude’ comments.
Lawyers representing the father in the case said Judge Andrew’s conduct denied him a fair trial.
Judge Andrew was appointed as the sole Federal Circuit Court judge in Townsville in March last year.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police.