Site not linked to Naden case CAITLIN ANDREWS 14 Oct, 2010 09:55 AM

Site not linked to Naden case
CAITLIN ANDREWS
14 Oct, 2010 09:55 AM
Despite recent media coverage and speculation suggesting a campsite occupied by wanted fugitive Malcolm Naden was found at Barrington Tops, Hunter Valley Police have confirmed there is no link between the site and the suspected murderer.

A pig hunter travelling through the Barrington Tops last week discovered a bush lair reporting it to police and Newcastle and Sydney newspapers.

Malcolm Naden has been evading police for the past five years after he was last seen at the zoo in Dubbo.

Believed to be responsible for more than 20 break-ins where general purpose items such as non-perishable food, camping gear and batteries have been taken, the state’s most wanted man is also believed to be armed.

The suspected double murderer’s DNA was positively identified at Stewarts Brook, east of Scone in 2008 and his fingerprints were later found at a location at the back of Kempsey, however these were the last traces to his whereabouts.

Hunter Valley Police reported last month there had been indications of his activity in the Upper Hunter but no solid evidence.

Local police and the State Crime Command have investigated the area of Barrington Tops, in attempts to track down Naden, however there has been no evidence since 2008 suggesting he is in the area.

Despite reports in the Newcastle Herald and the Sydney Morning Herald linking the site to Naden, Hunter Valley Police and State Crime Command detectives have examined the site and quickly determined through examination that the site was used to grow cannabis crops with evidence of cultivation, star pickets and fertiliser.

With a $50,000 reward offered for the location of Naden, people across the state seem to be on alert for the experienced bushman.

Hunter Valley Police acting crime manager Peter Robertson said the State Crime Command had issued a statement that said following a number of inquiries made over recent days, police can now rule out any links between the campsite and the Naden case.

“Investigations will be ongoing and detectives encourage people to continue to contact police regarding any possible sightings in their area of if they have any further information,” acting crime manager Robertson said.

“Police also continue to advise if anyone sites this man, do not approach him, contact the local police station on 6542 6999 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1800 333 000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting immediately. There is no reason for anyone to be afraid.”
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