Hunt for fugitive Malcolm Naden focuses on Barrington Tops BY DAN PROUDMAN CHIEF POLICE REPORTER 21 Oct, 2010 04:00 AM

A police strike force hunting fugitive Malcolm Naden has admitted its focus was on the Barrington Tops after months of suspicious activity in the national park.

Residents have criticised police for a perceived lack of information being released about the investigation into the double-murder suspect since evidence first surfaced that the expert bushman was using the area as a hideout almost three years ago.

Police say they have ruled out a campsite discovered by a pig hunter 10 days ago as being linked to Naden, although bushmen with decades of experience within the Barringtons disagreed with the police line that it was probably used by cannabis growers.

‘‘We have come across heaps of dope growers’ places over the years and this one is nothing like the rest of them; it isn’t even in the right sort of area for them,’’ one experienced bushman said.

A State Crime Command statement issued following questions from the Newcastle Herald said police had been made aware of reports of burglaries in and around the Barrington Tops.

‘‘The current focus of the investigation is on the Barrington Tops area,’’ the police statement said.

A DNA match to Naden’s profile was found at a break-in at Stewarts Brook in 2008 and the Herald is aware of more than 20 extremely similar burglaries on properties across all sides of the Barringtons since Easter.

Items being stolen include several guns.

‘‘Police can reassure the community that there is a dedicated strike force in place conducting regular operations and investigations into the whereabouts of Malcolm Naden,’’ the statement said.

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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Was it Naden’s hideout? BEN WALKER 12 Oct, 2010 04:00 AM

Was it Naden’s hideout?
BEN WALKER
12 Oct, 2010 04:00 AM
Detectives attached to the state homicide squad are yet to find evidence linking a campsite found by a pig hunter in the Barrington Tops to the state’s most wanted man Malcolm Naden.

A report in yesterday’s Sydney Morning Herald said the hunt for Naden had “been given its biggest break after a pig hunter stumbled across what is believed to be one of the murder suspect’s bush lairs”.

The story quoted the anonymous pig hunter, who said he was “convinced the campsite was the work of Naden because of its remote location, the amount of work that had been put into making it and some evidence discovered at the scene.”

Naden has been on the run from police for more than five years and is wanted in relation to the death of Kristy Scholes and the disappearance of his cousin Lateesha Nolan in 2005.

Last week members of Ms Nolan’s family questioned an idea put forward by the NSW opposition calling for the doubling of a reward leading to Naden’s capture.

They believe any increase would make Naden a target rather than lead to his capture and ruin any chance they had of finding out what happened to Ms Nolan.

The most recent information is being investigated by police, however, yesterday afternoon a spokesperson for the homicide squad said no link had been made.

“Detectives attached to the homicide squad continue to investigate and the investigation remains open,” the spokesperson said.

“At the moment there is no evidence of a link between the campsite and Malcolm Naden but we will continue to look into it.

“We encourage members of the public to keep coming forward with information, whether it be to their local police force or through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“But members of the public should be aware that if they do sight Malcolm Naden, they should not approach him. Rather just contact police or Crime Stoppers immediately.”
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Bush camp believed to be fugitive's Dan Proudman October 11, 2010

The five-year hunt for the fugitive Malcolm Naden has been given its biggest break after a pig hunter stumbled across what is believed to be one of the murder suspect's bush lairs deep in the Barrington Tops.

Homicide squad detectives believe the discovery to be the best lead in the hunt for the state's most wanted man since he evaded police in Dubbo in 2005.

Mr Naden is wanted in connection with the disappearance of his cousin Lateesha Nolan in January that year and the death of another cousin's partner, Kristy Scholes, the following August.
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Police have refused to publicly confirm their suspicions that Mr Naden has been living in the Barrington Tops for several years, despite growing evidence of burglaries carrying his hallmarks.

Thursday's discovery of the crude campsite on top of a hill strengthens the belief that Mr Naden, an expert bushman, is living the life of a nomad in the vast wilderness between the Barrington Tops and Kempsey.

The pig hunter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was convinced the campsite was the work of Mr Naden because of its remote location, the amount of work that had been put into making it and some evidence discovered at the scene.

''If he has been up there for five years I wouldn't put it past him to have more than 50 of these types of campsites,'' the hunter said. ''It is so remote up there you can hear people coming from more than a kilometre away. He would hear them, he would see them and he would smell them miles away.''

Call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 if you have any information.

Pig hunter finds fugitive's Barrington Tops hideout

Pig hunter finds fugitive's Barrington Tops hideout
BY DAN PROUDMAN CHIEF POLICE REPORTER
11 Oct, 2010 04:00 AM
THE five-year hunt for fugitive Malcolm Naden has been given its biggest break after a pig hunter stumbled across one of the murder suspect's bush lairs deep in the Barrington Tops.

Homicide squad detectives travelled to a nearby property yesterday believing this to be the best lead in the chase for the state's most wanted man since he evaded police at Dubbo in 2005.

Naden is wanted in connection with the disappearance of his cousin Lateesha Nolan in January 2005 and the death of another cousin's partner, Kristy Scholes, in August that same year.

Police have refused to publicly confirm their suspicions that Naden has been living in the Barrington Tops for several years despite growing evidence of burglaries boasting his hallmarks.

Thursday's discovery of the crude, but effective, campsite on top of a rugged hill is more proof that Naden, an expert bushman, is living the life of a nomad across vast distances of wilderness between the Barringtons and Kempsey.

The experienced pig hunter, who spoke to the Newcastle Herald on condition of anonymity, said he was convinced the campsite was the work of Naden because of its remote location, the amount of work that had been put into making it and some other evidence discovered at the scene.

The Herald is aware of the campsite's location but has agreed not to reveal it or certain aspects of the campsite for police operational reasons.

"If he has been up there for five years I wouldn't put it past him to have more than 50 of these types of campsites," the pig hunter told the Herald.

What can be revealed is that Naden had chosen a place atop a hill, giving himself the maximum amount of sunlight for warmth as well as allowing him to keep a lookout.

He has used a large number of dead trees to build wind breaks to shelter him from icy conditions and has kept well away from water courses to hide the camp from the majority of visitors.

"It is so remote up there you can hear people coming from more than a kilometre away," the pig hunter said.

"He would hear them, he would see them and he would smell them miles away.

"And although the higher you get the colder it gets, you also maximise the amount of sunlight and that means warmth - and trust me, she gets cold up there."

There was no sign of a fire at the campsite, but its evidence could have been buried.

The pig hunter said there was no shortage of food and water for Naden to keep himself going, with wallabies and kangaroos "so thick up there you almost trip over them".

"I would be very surprised if he does get caught," he said.

"He has got to be terribly unlucky and the cops have got to be terribly lucky to find him.

"But it is not out of the question for him to be bitten by a snake and die up there."

The pig hunter believed that Naden would be getting some form of outside assistance but that he would still be suffering without constant social interaction.

"To live five years on your own with no contact from anyone he must be mentally unstable, it would do your head in," he said.

A nearby landholder told the Herald he could understand why the hunt had been so difficult for police.

"It is my belief that for the police to be successful that they need specially trained officers in bush skills who are capable of being self-sufficient in the bush for weeks at a time," the landholder said.

"It may be that the police consult with people like the pig hunter who have these skills.

"I believe it is in everyone's best interests if this wanted person would face the police investigation so that the stress and anxiety caused to landowners in the area might be resolved."

He would hear them, he would see them and he would smell them miles away.

"And although the higher you get the colder it gets, you also maximise the amount of sunlight and that means warmth - and trust me, she gets cold up there."

There was no sign of a fire at the campsite, but its evidence could have been buried.

The pig hunter said there was no shortage of food and water for Naden to keep himself going, with wallabies and kangaroos "so thick up there you almost trip over them".

"I would be very surprised if he does get caught," he said.

"He has got to be terribly unlucky and the cops have got to be terribly lucky to find him.

"But it is not out of the question for him to be bitten by a snake and die up there."

The pig hunter believed that Naden would be getting some form of outside assistance but that he would still be suffering without constant social interaction.

"To live five years on your own with no contact from anyone he must be mentally unstable, it would do your head in," he said.

A nearby landholder told the Herald he could understand why the hunt had been so difficult for police.

"It is my belief that for the police to be successful that they need specially trained officers in bush skills who are capable of being self-sufficient in the bush for weeks at a time," the landholder said.

"It may be that the police consult with people like the pig hunter who have these skills.

"I believe it is in everyone's best interests if this wanted person would face the police investigation so that the stress and anxiety caused to landowners in the area might be resolved."

Information can be forwarded to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Danger at the Tops: Break ins point to fugitive
28 Aug 10:
Is Barrington Tops hiding state's most wanted man?
03 Sep 10:
Father's plea: Track down alleged killer
10 Sep 10:
Time to up the bounty on fugitive murder suspect
07 Sep 10:
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01 Sep 10:
Danger at the Tops: Break ins point to fugitive
28 Aug 10:
Is Barrington Tops hiding state's most wanted man?
03 Sep 10:
Father's plea: Track down alleged killer
10 Sep 10:
Time to up the bounty on fugitive murder suspect
07 Sep 10:
Fugitive linked to break-in
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Price on Naden’s head in dispute PATRICK BILLINGS 05 Oct, 2010 05:00 AM

Price on Naden’s head in dispute
PATRICK BILLINGS
05 Oct, 2010 05:00 AM
Calls for the bounty on the state’s most wanted man, Malcolm Naden, to increase have been met with mixed feelings by the mother of Naden’s cousin, Lateesha Nolan, who has not been seen since 2005.

Naden has been on the run for five years and police are seeking him in relation to the 24-year-old’s disappearance and the murder of his cousin’s partner, Kristy Scholes, also 24.

NSW Opposition police spokesman Mike Gallacsher criticised police minister Michael Daley for the delay in nabbing Naden and wants the bounty on his head raised from $50,000 to $200,000.

However Ms Nolan’s mother, Joan Nolan, was worried such a lucrative reward for information leading to Naden’s capture may entice people to take the law into their own hands.

She said if harm came to Naden the family’s only “key” to discovering the whereabouts of their daughter would be lost.

Mrs Nolan was also concerned about a story in the Sun-Herald that quoted property owners who are believed to have been burgled by Naden in Barrington Tops.

Police reportedly found forensic evidence of his presence in the dense bush land and one resident said he “would not hesitate to shoot (Naden)” if he saw him.

“They might get scared and shoot him but (Lateesha’s) got family that’s pinned all its hopes on him having information,” Mrs Nolan said.

“He’s our only hope. We only know (the police) want to talk to him, we don’t know if he’s guilty.

Mrs Nolan’s daughter has not been seen since January 2005 while Ms Scholes was found strangled to death in Naden’s bedroom six months later.

Ms Nolan had lived with Naden in their grandparents’ house in West Dubbo.

Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell doubted a quadrupling of Naden’s bounty would be effective in breaking “the cone of silence” surrounding his whereabouts.

The 31-year-old had been protected in the past and people in the community had information on his whereabouts, she said.

While it was “sad for the families” Ms Fardell said Naden had been judged before appearing before a jury.

“I’m not saying he’s innocent but everyone deserves a trial,” she said.

Police said they had “not ruled out re-examining the current reward offered” for Naden. Anyone with details regarding Naden’s activities is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Calls made to boost price tag for Naden to $200k PATRICK BILLINGS 04 Oct, 2010

Malcolm John Naden who is wanted for questioning for the murder of Kristy Scholes and missing woman Lateesha Nolan.
The bounty for Dubbo murder suspect Malcolm Naden, who has spent the last five years on the run, should be quadrupled, the NSW opposition says.

The Nationals’ Dubbo candidate Troy Grant has backed the call for a $200,000 price to be put on Naden’s head in order to bring the state’s most wanted fugitive to “justice”.

“The saga has been paining and impacting on the family for far too long. This dangerous man needs to be brought to trial,” he said.

Police suspect Naden murdered his cousin’s partner, 24-year-old mother-of-two Kristy Scholes, found strangled in Naden’s bedroom in 2005. Police also want to speak to Naden about his cousin Lateesha Nolan, 24, who along with Ms Scholes lived with the 31-year-old at his grandparents’ home in Dubbo. Ms Nolan, mother-of-four young children, has not been seen since 2005.

Since her disappearance her father Mick Peet has devoted his life to finding out what happened. Mr Peet has also lobbied for the reward to be increased saying the family was desperate for some closure.

“I’ve always wished that they did raise it because its was the lowest reward out for somebody wanted for murder,” he told the Daily Liberal.

“It’s about closure for me and my family and all her family. The Scholes family need closure because their daughter was murdered too and there’s been no justice for her family.”

Rewards for information leading to an arrest are set by the NSW Government, based on police recommendations.

“Police have not recommended an increased reward for this case. Investigating police will request a reward where they believe there is a chance that the reward could result in important, new information being brought to light - that would otherwise be unlikely to surface,” a spokeswoman for Police Minister Michael Daley said.

Detective Inspector John Lehmann from the Unsolved Homicide Squad authorised a statement saying police had “not ruled out re-examining the current reward offered in relation to Malcolm Naden”.

“While it is extremely frustrating that Naden has evaded capture to date, NSW Police will never tire in the efforts to bring him to justice,” the statement said.

The Sun-Herald has reported that for the first time police have forensic evidence of Naden hiding in the Hunter Valley. He is suspected of a string of burglaries in the area including the theft of a gun. Mr Peet said he had been boosted by news of the forensic evidence and felt the net was tightening on the outlaw.

“I feel like something is going to happen and they’re getting on to where is he which is Barrington Tops at the moment. I’m getting through that people have found humpies through that area where he may have lived at at one stage,” he said.

“We just want to find out where Lateesha is, what happened to Lateesha ... I’m never going to give up (until) he is found. I hope I don’t pass away without knowing, that’s my greatest fear.”

Police advise that if anyone sights Naden, do not approach him, but rather contact local police or Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000.
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The Sun-Herald has reported that for the first time police have forensic evidence of Naden hiding in the Hunter Valley. He is suspected of a string of burglaries in the area including the theft of a gun. Mr Peet said he had been boosted by news of the forensic evidence and felt the net was tightening on the outlaw.

“I feel like something is going to happen and they’re getting on to where is he which is Barrington Tops at the moment. I’m getting through that people have found humpies through that area where he may have lived at at one stage,” he said.

“We just want to find out where Lateesha is, what happened to Lateesha ... I’m never going to give up (until) he is found. I hope I don’t pass away without knowing, that’s my greatest fear.”

Police advise that if anyone sights Naden, do not approach him, but rather contact local police or Crime Stoppers immediately on

Children ask: when are our mums coming back Tim Barlass October 3, 2010

Staying together... (front, from left) Johnathan Walker,8, Elizabeth Walker,9, Shaqkaila Nolan,7, and Jayden Nolan,8. (Back) Erica Nolan 10 and Kiesha Nolan, 12. Photo: Jacky Ghossein

THESE are the six children left without their mothers after one was murdered and the other disappeared five years ago.
Malcolm Naden is wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of his cousin’s partner, Kristy Scholes, 24 – mother to Elizabeth, now 10, and Johnathan, 8.
She was found strangled in Naden’s locked bedroom in Dubbo. Now they are being looked after by Margaret Walker, Kristy’s mother-in-law.
They also want to quiz him about the disappearance six months earlier of his cousin Lateesha Nolan, then also aged 24 – mother to Kiesha, now 12, Erica, 11, Jayden, 8 and Shaqkaila, 7. All four are being brought up by their grandmother, Joan Nolan, Lateesha’s mother.
Both women have stepped in to raise the children and ensure that they are not separated, allowing them to stay at the same school. They are both aunts to Naden.
There are few pictures of Lateesha, or Teesh, left at the family home in Dubbo. Most of them are still with detectives. One has been incorporated into the face of a clock that ticks away the hours since she was last seen in 2005.
Another on a side table has been made into a memorial with the words to ‘‘our family’s stolen beauty’’. It also says: ‘‘I miss you more as each day passes and my heart breaks a little more each day. All these mixed emotions I have inside I can’t understand why it was you they took away.’’
The children have put a few coins under the picture, something for mum to spend when she comes back.
Lateesha’s mother, Joan, had some words for Naden. ‘‘If you know anything please come forward and tell us. It has been five years and we would like to know if you know anything. It is hardest when you have things on at school; she’s not there to see them get their awards. They were so young I suppose [when she disappeared]. They ask ‘When is she coming back?’
‘‘You can only say, ‘One day when we have found out where she is.’ We would like to think she is alive but it is a little bit long now.’’

Get serious and raise the bounty on suspect Tim Barlass October 3, 2010

THE $50,000 bounty on the head of the state’s most wanted man, Malcolm Naden, needs to be quadrupled if authorities are fair dinkum about capturing the suspected double murderer.
That’s the call from opposition police spokesman Michael Gallacher, who has accused Police Minister Michael Daley of not doing enough to ensure an end to Naden’s five years on the run.
Senior police have confirmed for the first time they have forensic evidence Naden has been hiding out in the Hunter Valley.
The Sun-Herald has been informed a spotter plane with an infra-red camera picked up a night image of a man in dense bush in an area of the Hunter known as Barrington Tops.
Naden is believed responsible for a string of burglaries in the Tops, including one in which a .22 rifle was stolen.
‘‘We need to be more proactive because it is fairly safe to say Naden isn’t simply going to put his hands up,’’ Mr Gallacher said yesterday. ‘‘The community needs to have confidence this matter is being investigated seriously and he is being tracked down.’’
Mr Daley said the government set rewards based on police recommendations and investigators had yet to request an increase.
Police are conducting tests on muddied bedding from an isolated Cobark River homestead that Naden is believed to have broken into.
Property owner Frances Grant, a former barrister, said the uninvited visitor left her feeling violated: ‘‘You don’t know if he is just going to stop at sleeping in your bed ... Nearly everyone I have spoken to would like the police to be consulting more with the people in the area who have expert knowledge of the terrain and who understand the country and its heart. They know how difficult it is.’’
Homicide squad acting Commander John Lehmann said the fact that the investigation was led from Sydney did not adversely affect how it was run. Specialist and local police were being used. Mr Lehmann believes Naden is ranging beyond the Barringtons and did not rule out upping the bounty. ‘‘It is a bit unfair to have criticism saying our people only know about crime in the city,’’ he said.

Bush lair of state's most wanted October 3, 2010

Barrington Tops in no stranger to fugitives trying to avoid the law: from Captain Thunderbolt to Malcolm Naden. Large tracts of it are impenetrable, writes Tim Barlass.

BARRINGTON Tops is a place where people disappear.
Five people have never been found after a Cessna plane crashed there in 1981, despite an annual search for the wreckage by volunteers.
Now Malcolm John Naden, the most wanted man in NSW, is doing his evil best not to be found. Despite reports of spotter planes, up to 40 police being drafted into foot searches, an Aboriginal tracker being hired and even a former soldier-turned-bounty hunter being on his tail, Naden remains at large.
Large tracts of the Barringtons are impenetrable. The national park covers 400 square kilometres and the highest point is 1586 metres above sea level.
John Tonitto, a captain of the Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad who leads annual searches for the missing Cessna, said efforts were hampered by the two-level rainforest canopy and steep mountain sides.
Regardless, locals criticise police attempts to find Naden, saying the investigation is being ‘‘run over the phone from Sydney’’ rather than relying on land owners to flush him out.
‘‘The police could seal off two ends of a street in Kings Cross and catch someone in the middle but up here they couldn’t track an elephant walking in snow,’’ one cattle farmer says.
Naden is criss-crossing the terrain, breaking into weekender residences to sustain a bush lifestyle described by another stockman as ‘‘living like a dingo’’. He has repeatedly robbed properties – taking canned food, .22 rifles and several miners’ helmets with lanterns to enable him to move at night without having to carry a torch.
Properties he has burgled now pepper the tourist map of the area including Rookhurst on Thunderbolt’s Way, Curricabark, Mount Mooney, Stewarts Brook and Gloryvale as well as many others.
One local estimated Naden had pinched no fewer than 14 pairs of binoculars, squirrelling them away in different locations.
Naden, now 36, a former skinner and boner at Dubbo abbatoir, became the most-wanted criminal in NSW five years ago following the murder of his cousin’s partner, Kristy Scholes, 24, who was found strangled in his bedroom at his grandparents’ home.
Her death led police to believe he could also be linked to the disappearance of his cousin Lateesha Nolan, then also aged 24, who went missing six months earlier from the same house.
One theory is that both women knew too much about allegations that Naden was facing in relation to the sexual assault of a child.
At the time he was a recluse and had become obsessed with religion, believing the end of the world was approaching. Since then he has managed to keep one step ahead of the authorities – escaping after he was spotted at Dubbo’s Western Plains Zoo, where he hid in the roof of an accommodation block.
The Barringtons are accustomed to fugitives trying to keep ahead of the law. The main tourist thoroughfare, Thunderbolt’s Way, was named after bushranger Frederick Ward – alias Captain Thunderbolt – who was active in the area in the 1850s.
Jimmy Governor, the Aboriginal man made famous in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith and the last person to have a bounty on his head – raped a teenage girl in Mud Hut Lane, north of Cobark, where Naden is believed to have been most active.
Peter and Sheila Watson, who live on the lane where the mud hut was, returned from a trip abroad to find police had made an extensive search of their property. Peter said: ‘‘We do now lock things up when we go out; you do get to be a bit cautious.’’
Another burglary victim, David Moore, said his tin shed at Rookhurst on Thunderbolt’s Way had been broken into twice, most recently in September. He reckons Naden helped himself to tinned food, Vegemite and a pair of boots. Mr Moore said: ‘‘He took two levers out of the window to get in ... He also shorted out an electric fence – he is a good bushman. If I saw him in the shrub and I had a gun I would not hesitate to shoot him. He’s too comfortable up there.’’
There are plenty of people who have theories about police tactics and Naden tactics – many prefer not to be named, concerned for their properties, often left empty for much of the time, and for their families.
Some farmers believe Naden is receiving support from two men who tried to access a remote area of the Tops, saying they wanted to pan for gold. They were turned away.
One stockman who has been in the area for 60 years said: ‘‘I am not a bounty hunter and I have no intention of trying to chase him – much as I would like to get the murdering bugger – but someone will get him.’’

Suspected killer who hides in the bush like a ghost * Janet Fife-Yeomans and Neil Keene * From: The Daily Telegraph * September 11, 2010

Suspected killer who hides in the bush like a ghost

* Janet Fife-Yeomans and Neil Keene
* From: The Daily Telegraph
* September 11, 2010 12:00AM
* 2 comments

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/suspected-killer-who-hides-in-the-bush-like-a-ghost/story-e6freuzi-1225917665946

IN the dense bush among the ravines and cliffs of Barrington Tops, Malcolm Naden - the state's most wanted man - is believed to be armed and living like a fox on the run.

The only fugitive since Ned Kelly to have a bounty on his head, the suspected double killer is moving by night, lying low by day.

Locals who have been the target of a series of mysterious break-ins believe Naden may be responsible.

A shotgun, two rifles, camping gear, gravy sachets and Weet-Bix are among the haul stolen from remote homesteads and weekender cabins. Police have warned at least one couple who were the victim of a burglary to stay away from their weekend retreat.

One property owner said he had started locking his doors for the first time in his 67 years.

Naden, 36, has been on the run since June 2005 when police found the strangled body of his cousin, Kristy Scholes, in his bedroom at his grandparents' Dubbo home.

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He had lived there since Year 7 after falling out with his parents. It was also home to Kristy and her two children.

Police believe Naden is also involved in the disappearance of another cousin, Lateesha Nolan, 24, last seen after dropping her four children at her grandmother's house in Dubbo in January 2005.

Two families devastated, six children left without mothers.

In 2007, the Government offered $50,000 for information leading to Naden's capture.

A loner, Naden is a former shearer who worked as a skinner and boner at Dubbo abattoir. He became obsessed with religion, believing the end of the world was near and only left his home in secret.

Naden first surfaced in late December 2005, spotted at Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo.

With the 300ha zoo in lockdown, police believed he may have been living in a roof, slaughtering kangaroos for food. Carcasses were found, carefully butchered.

His bushman's skills kept him under the police radar despite having Homicide Squad detectives on his tail.

In 2007 he left his fingerprint in a break and enter on a home at Stewarts Brook in the Barrington Tops area.

But Naden slipped the police net and did not surface again for two years, this time at the hamlet of Bellbrook, inland from Kempsey.

Locals who had no idea he was a wanted man, had stood next to him in the local hotel. Then, wearing a mask and camouflage gear, he terrified a woman when he broke into her house. Again, he was identified by his fingerprints, sparking a huge manhunt. Again he eluded police. Early this year, a couple with a weekender in Barrington Tops reported a break-in and a shotgun stolen.

The latest of a series of burglaries since then came earlier this month when a rifle was stolen. While he is believed to be using the guns only to hunt, police have warned people not to approach Naden.

Lateesha's father Mick Peet, 49, wants Naden's details spread far and wide.

"Barrington Tops is a very large area but the police are on to him and with the tourist season coming up, that might flush him out," he said.

But for a community sharing their backyard with a notorious fugitive, some Barrington locals are surprisingly relaxed.

They even appear to have a grudging respect.

Allen Shultz has lived in the area for more than 50 years and said it was unlikely Naden would be found.

"Nobody has ever seen him, he goes into these places and only takes food and supplies for survival and he's hardly leaving a trace," he said.

Police warn that Naden is no romantic hero but Paula Muddle, in the Barrington township's general store, said his legend was growing.

The area is the same unforgiving country where outlaw Frederick Ward, aka Captain Thunderbolt, took refuge from authorities more than 140 years ago.

Bounty hunters join chase for fugitive Naden

Bounty hunters join chase for fugitive Naden
BY DAN PROUDMAN CHIEF POLICE REPORTER
11 Sep, 2010 12:00 AM
BOUNTY hunters are arriving in the Barrington Tops set to enter the hunt for fugitive Malcolm Naden.

As the families of Naden's alleged victims make another plea to authorities to increase the reward in the hunt for the suspected murderer, bounty hunters are lining up for their chance to catch him.

Three years ago, the State Government announced a $50,000 reward for information that led to the arrest of Naden after homicide squad detectives spent two unsuccessful years chasing him.

The announcement was supposed to encourage those who know Naden or his whereabouts to give him up.

It was never meant to spark a free-for-all in hunting him down.

News a possibly armed Naden is roaming across the Barrington Tops breaking into houses and surviving by using his bush skills has attracted some people wanting to make a quick dollar.

One would-be bounty hunter said he believed he and his crew had enough bush knowledge and military background to find the fugitive.

"I have been waiting 20 years for something like this to come up," he said.

Police were silent over any suspicions of Naden roaming the Barrington Tops.

There has been at least one major police search in the past three months but senior police are not confirming their beliefs that Naden is in the area.

Their denials have angered the families of Lateesha Nolan and Kristy Scholes, the two young mothers suspected of being victims of Naden.

"We really need some closure and the only way we are going to get that is when they get Naden," Ms Scholes' uncle Tony Scholes said last night. "It has destroyed our family, we need him caught."

Outlaw strikes fear

Outlaw strikes fear
News that a suspected murderer is on the run in the Barringtons has locals fearing for their welfare, writes DAN PROUDMAN.
One fellow up here said the only way they will
get him is if a brown snake gets to him first.
THEironies are probably lost on
fugitive bushranger Malcolm
Naden.
Likehowclose he hasbeen to
ThunderboltsTrail ashe crisscrosses
parts of the BarringtonTops while
hiding out from authorities – the same trail
named after bushranger Captain
Thunderbolt as heat tempted to do
likewise nearly 150 years ago.
Or that when he pinched a .22 calibre
rifle from a Curricabark property in July
he was only a couple of days’ walk from the
place whereJimmyGovernor was
captured in 1900 – the Aboriginalman
madefamous in The Chant forJimmy
Blacksmith andthe last person to have a
bounty onhis head until theNSW
government placed $50,000on the
successful arrest ofNadenthree years ago.
Itmakesgood reading. But it also
threatens to glorify amanwhohas the
undesirable title of being the state’s most
wanted person.
Theformer abattoir worker, anexpert
skinner andboner, has gone bush because
he is suspected of being involved in the
disappearance of his cousin Lateesha
Nolan andthe murder of Kristy Scholes,
both in 2005,and another attack ona child.
For the past five years,Nadenhas used
his expertbushmanskills to cunningly
lead policeon a chase through bushland
fromDubbotoKempsey.
Hehas terrorised communities by
breaking intohomesand stealing items
required for survival – non-perishable
food, camping gear, batteries, binoculars,
warmjackets.
Nowthat it has emerged thatNadenhas
madesections of the BarringtonTops his
homefor the past three years it hasmade
property owners take stock.
‘‘Our secluded andpeaceful properties
at the foot of BarringtonTops areno longer
the tranquilhomeaway from home; fear
arises with everymovementheard in the
scrub andevery noise heard at night
hoping andpraying thatwedon’t stumble
across him,’’ said Melinda McCosker,
whose family has a property at Stewarts
Brook, east of Scone.
‘‘To say he is terrorising those in the
area is just scraping at the surface of the
waywefeel about the fact that a murder
suspect is hiding in our backyard.’’
Herconcerns havebeen repeated across
manyvillages whereowners of small
weekenders and hobbyfarms join locals
whofear for their safety.
But the police will not publicly confirm
thatNadenis, or ever was, in the area.
There is not enough evidence, they say.
Despite rare sightings of him,Nadenhas
leftsometracks.
For all the reported sightings ofNaden
since he ran from authorities after
spending time hiding out inan animal
enclosure at Dubbo’sWestern Plains Zoo
inDecember2005, there have beenonly a
handful that havebeen confirmed.
Like the break-in of another remote
property at Stewarts Brook, onthe western
foothills of BarringtonTops about 40
kilometres east of Scone, in 2008.
Blood found whereawindowwas
broken was matchedto Naden’sDNA
profile.Amassive land search failed to
find any trace of Naden. Neither the blood
match nor the search weremadepublic.
In January 2009, fingerprintscameback
with amatch toNadenin the small
community called Bellbrook, west of
KempseyandWauchope.
Hespentsometime terrorising locals
and breaking into about a dozen houses,
including one episodewhere awoman
reported waking to findNadenstanding
over her wearing amaskand camouflage
gear.
That information wasn’tmadepublic
butwhenresidents found out they staged a
protest.
Then, about three months ago, there was
another fingerprintmatch – this time in a
weekender atMountMooney, onthe
northern side of the BarringtonTops
north-west of Gloucester.
Thesameproperty,ownedby Sydney
couple Chris Bebberand Jo-Anne Phillips,
was again targeted between August 24 and
26.
It wasidentical to theMaybreak-in. Like
somanyother victims in the past four
months, the couple believeNadenwas
watching becauseheknewthey left on
Tuesday and returnedon Thursday.
Hegot in through a window and went to
work collecting non-perishables: pasta,
rice, porridge, muesli,Weet-Bix, corn

COVER STORY barrington tops

chips and gravy sachets.
Phillips said that was the second time he
had taken gravy and wonderedwhether it
had anything to do with some missing goats
from a nearby farm.
Healso appears to have a sweet tooth –
manyvictims have reported losing
chocolate during burglaries.
AtMountMooney,Nadenalso took a
wet-weather jacket, a pair of binoculars,
shorts and a pair of boots.
‘‘It has put the windupall of usnow,’’
Phillips toldH2.
‘‘Iknowit is only food andclothing but
he is dangerous.
‘‘What dowedo?Dowefillupall the
cupboards again andsay, ‘Merry
Christmas, Malcolm.Comeand help
yourself?’
‘‘We feel very alert, very awareand very
frustrated about the lack of promptness
from police.
‘‘This guy is very clearly able to remain
out there for a long time.
‘‘What is it going to take, ishe going to
have tocomeupbehindsomeone before
anything is done?’’
Residents say a group ofupto 50 police
turnedupin July, searched areas of bush
along with dogs and anAboriginal tracker,
but left without anything.
They haven’tbeen back, not even to have
a look at the latest break-in atMount
Mooney.
Phillips andBebber are not alone in
being the victims of alarming break-ins.H2
knows ofmorethan 20 burglaries across
the Barringtons since Easter.
All are eerily similar.
BobandLynn Stegh,whohadnever had
a break-in inmorethan 10 years, said they
were targeted three times in a few months,
and believe itwas Naden.
In July, the intruder returned andtook a
.22 calibre rifle as well as food.
‘‘He only took the .22 single shot, he
could have taken an extra four or five
bigger guns but he obviously didn’t want to
be heard,’’BobStegh said.
‘‘He can shoot that and notbe heard.’’
It appearsNadencan survive in a hermit
world.
Heis suspected of being involved in the
disappearance of his cousin Lateesha
Nolan in January 2005.
After her disappearance,Nadenbolted
hisbedroomdoor from the inside and
family passed food through awindow.
Nadendisappeared hours before Kristy
Scholes, a partner of another cousin, was
found deadin his room, having been
strangled, in August 2005.
Kangaroo carcasses, expertly butchered,
were foundon the banks of the Macquarie
River behind theWestern Plains Zoo after
police discoveredNadenhad been hiding
in an enclosure. Similar kangaroo
carcasses havebeen found in parts of the
BarringtonTops, also expertly cut.
‘‘He wouldbe living exactly thesameas
a fox lives,’’ Lateesha Nolan’s distraught
father, Mick Peet, toldH2.
‘‘He is moving during the night and
staying quiet during the day.
‘‘I don’t think they will ever gethimuntil
they throw a lot of resources at it.
‘‘He will stay one step ahead.’’
Along-timeMountMooneyresident said
he would bewatching everyone.
‘‘He [Naden] wouldknowexactly what
wehave for tea,’’ he said.
‘‘He couldcomewithin 25 yards of us and
wewouldn’tknow.
‘‘He is clever and heis tough.
‘‘Only the other night I walked outside to
getsomemore[fire]woodand said to the
wife I should go back outside andjust yell,
‘Malcolm, it’s too bloody cold mate,comein
here andget warm’.
‘‘One fellowuphere said the onlyway
they will gethimis if abrownsnake gets to
himfirst.’’
Asenior police source saidNaden
would beusing a series of campsites to
allowhimto keep moving.
They might include public campsites,
which hewould blend into after watching
whowascamping.
That iswhyresidents say the authorities
need to publiclywarn people.
‘‘We have visitors putting themselves in
danger andwehavewomenherewho
spend a lot of time on theirownwhile their
husbands are out,’’ a resident said.
‘‘They need tobe protected.
‘‘Someone is going to stumble ontohim
atsomestage andwhoknowswhat might
happen.’’
Acting HunterValley crime manager
Detective Inspector Peter Robinson has
been onNaden’s tail for several years as
part of his previous jobs with the Northern
Region police.
Hesaid althoughNadenhadto be
considered dangerous, heappeared to be
happy to keep to himself.
Inspector Robinson said the only time
he hadbeen cornered was at theDubbo
zoo and hedid not attack.
‘‘All I can say is the only time he was
confronted, his optionwas to run,’’
Detective Inspector Robinson said.
‘‘If you want to try andpredict what
people will do, you look at their past, and
his first instinctwas to run.’’
That is whatNadenis continuing to do
– tomorrow will be his 1900th day on the
run.

By DAN PROUDMAN
Second .22 rifle stolen
FUGITIVE Malcolm Naden
may have his hands on a
second gun after a rifle was
stolen from a Barrington property.
In the latest in a series of
burglaries believed to be the
work of the suspected double
murderer, a thief has been
able to break into the residence
near Mount Mooney and
take a .22 calibre rifle as well
as ammunition.
The theft occurred sometime
between Sunday, August
29, and Thursday, September 2.
It is the second .22 calibre
rifle to be taken from a remote
Barrington Tops property
since July.
On both occasions other
guns were left behind,
strengthening a police theory
that Naden is picking his
target. Small calibre rifles are
much quieter and would
therefore raise less suspicion
if heard while hunting
wildife.
The property owner, who did
not wish to be named last
night, said the thief had also
stolen non-perishable food.
The break-in mirrors more
than 20 others across the Barrington
Tops since Easter,
which police have told locals
are the work of Naden.
The former skinner and
boner at a Dubbo abattoir has
expert bushman skills and has
been on the run from authorities
for five years.
He is wanted over the disappearance
and suspected
murder of his cousin Lateesha
Nolan and the murder of a
cousin’s partner, Kristy
Scholes, both at Dubbo in 2005.
He is listed as the state’s
most wanted man and is the
first person to have a bounty
placed on his head in 110 years
when $50,000 was announced
for his arrest.
The latest burglary victim
said it was the first time the
thief had targeted his property,
which is several kilometres
from where some Mount
Mooney properties were targeted
last month.
Naden is suspected of burglaries
on remote properties on
the eastern, western and
northern fringes of the Barrington
Tops.

NSW Most Wanted

http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?vxSiteId=cb519624-44a2-4bf7-808b-3514d34e96e4&vxChannel=News%20Daily&vxClipId=2683_news-nadan-090910&vxBitrate=300&vxTemplate=integrated.swf&vxClickToPlay=false

Public's help sought over murder cases

Public's help sought over murder cases
Les Kennedy
September 5, 2010
Malcolm Naden, now 37, is wanted on a $50,000 bounty for suspected involvement in the murder of one women and disappearance of another in Dubbo. His alleged victims were mother-of-two Kristy Scholes, whose body was found in a house at West Dubbo, on June 23, 2005; and mother-of-four Lateesha Nolan, 24, whose body has never been found.

Now, with police operations in Barrington Tops and Taree, the mid-north coast is abuzz with talk that Naden, an expert bushman, is hiding in the scrub and is responsible for almost 20 burglaries. Police won't confirm they have his DNA profile-matched blood found at the scene of a 2008 break-in at Stewar

Father's plea: Track down alleged killer

Father's plea: Track down alleged killer
BY DAN PROUDMAN CHIEF POLICE REPORTER
03 Sep, 2010 04:00 AM
The father of one of fugitive bushranger Malcolm Naden’s suspected victims has pleaded with authorities to do whatever it takes to hunt down the suspected double murderer.

Mick Peet, father of Naden’s missing cousin Lateesha Nolan, said yesterday that even the army should be used to comb the Barrington Tops to help look for the man who had led police on a five-year chase.

Naden, an expert bushman, is believed to be hiding out in the Barrington bush, with more than 20 remote properties reporting break-ins and thefts since Easter.

Naden is the nephew of Mr Peet’s former partner and is suspected of being involved in the 2005 disappearance of Ms Nolan and the murder of Kristy Scholes, the partner of another cousin, eight months later.

There is a $50,000 bounty for his arrest.

‘‘I want justice for my daughter and Kristy and that cannot happen until he is caught,’’ Mr Peet told the Newcastle Herald yesterday.

‘‘If the $50,000 isn’t enough, then people need to think of the six children who are attempting to move on without their mothers.

‘‘Those kids need to know.’’

Police have refused to confirm their suspicions on Naden’s whereabouts, despite mounting evidence to suggest he is following water courses and food sources between Scone and Gloucester and west of Wingham.

The Herald knows of at least one major search north-west of Gloucester in July where police dogs and an Aboriginal tracker were flown in to try to trace the fugitive.

‘‘The main thing for us is closure,’’ Mr Peet said. ‘‘We need to know what happened to my daughter.

‘‘My father [Len Peet] passed away recently never knowing what happened to his granddaughter. I have waited five years, I cannot wait another five years.’’

Mr Peet said he remembered Naden as being an expert bushman who had learnt his skills on camping trips since he was a child.

He said he believed he would be ‘‘living like a fox’’ and keeping low during the day before moving at night.

Danger at the Tops: Break ins point to fugitive

Danger at the Tops: Break ins point to fugitive
BY DAN PROUDMAN CHIEF POLICE REPORTER
01 Sep, 2010 04:00 AM
Fugitive bushranger Malcolm Naden may be responsible for almost 20 burglaries on remote properties across Barrington Tops since Easter as he continues to survive in the region by following rivers and food sources.

The state’s most wanted man and an experienced bushman, Naden could have even remained in the area for the past three years, with confirmation that his DNA profile matched blood found at the scene of a break-in at Stewarts Brook, a small community about 50 kilometres east of Scone, in early 2008.

The Newcastle Herald revealed on Saturday that Naden, a suspected double murderer on the run from authorities since 2005, may now be armed after eight properties were targeted north-west of Gloucester since mid-July.

But property owners living on either side of Barrington Tops have since confirmed a series of other break-ins on weekenders since at least Easter.

On each occasion, the thief concentrates on non-perishable food, camping gear and batteries and keeps the target house neat and tidy when he leaves.

Melinda McCosker told the Herald yesterday that her in-laws’ property at Stewarts Brook was one of four places targeted in March.

It followed a series of break-ins at the small community in 2008 that sparked a large manhunt by local police and the homicide squad when tests confirmed that blood found at one of the thefts matched Naden’s DNA.

‘‘To say he is terrorising those in the area is just scraping at the surface of the way we feel about the fact that a murder suspect is hiding in our backyard,’’ Mrs McCosker said.

And several residents west of Gloucester, who did not want to be identified, said yesterday there had been at least a further six break-ins on the eastern side of Barrington Tops in the past two months in communities along the Cobark and Dilgrey rivers.

The latest was just last week.

‘‘He is clever and he is tough and they are going to have to get a tracker to find him,’’ one resident said.

‘‘We are not extremely frightened of him but we are definitely wary when we go out in the paddocks.

‘‘But we believe that people should be warned about what is up here – we have visitors putting themselves in danger and we have women here who spend a lot of time on their own.’’

Naden sighting unconfirmed

Naden sighting unconfirmed
FAYE WHEELER
31 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM
The State Crime Command has not confirmed wanted Dubbo man Malcolm Naden is responsible for the theft of a rifle from a property near Gloucester.

A resident of the district told the Newcastle Herald that local police strongly suspected the man wanted in relation to the murder of one Dubbo woman and the disappearance of another was responsible for the series of break and enters.

State Crime Command detectives were aware of the break and enters, but there was no information to confirm any links to the Naden case, a command spokeswoman said yesterday.

Naden has been on the run since July 2005 when the body of Kristy Scholes, the partner of his cousin, was found in Naden’s bedroom.

In the January prior to Ms Scholes’ murder, cousin Lateesha Nolan was reported missing after she was last seen at the same West Dubbo home of a family member.

In August 2005 police issued a warrant for Naden’s arrest and a statewide appeal for information.

Two years after the disappearance of Ms Nolan police put a $50,000 bounty on the head of the murder suspect.

Acting premier and police minister John Watkins said it was the first in the state since the hunt for Ned Kelly and his gang in the 1870s, the Sydney Morning Herald reported at the time.

Naden sightings resurfaced in the Newcastle Herald report on Saturday that said Naden was believed to be armed and terrorising isolated communities near the Barrington Tops, northwest of Gloucester.

The series of break-ins since about July 11 had residents on edge, especially after long-time resident Bob Stegg reported his .22 calibre rifle stolen last month, the Herald report said.

Mr Stegg, who had not reported a theft for 10 years, discovered items were missing on at least three occasions, while neighbour Tony Snow also had his place burgled.

Mr Snow said yesterday police had told him they strongly suspected Naden was responsible, the Herald report said.

The State Crime Command spokeswoman said the command’s homicide squad investigation of Naden was active and repeated the appeal for information.

“The investigation remains open and police have and will continue to follow all available lines of inquiry,” she said.

“Assistance continues to be provided by relevant local area commands in relation to any incidents that may be relevant to the investigation.

“Detectives are aware of a recent break and enter in the Manning-Great Lakes Local Area Command, however at this stage there is no information to confirm any links to the Naden case.”

Is Barrington Tops hiding state's most wanted man?

Is Barrington Tops hiding state's most wanted man?
BY DAN PROUDMAN
28 Aug, 2010 12:00 AM
THE State's most wanted man, suspected double murderer Malcolm Naden, is believed to be armed and terrorising isolated communities near the Barrington Tops.

The ex-abattoir worker and experienced bushman, left, is suspected to be living in dense bush near Curricabark, north-west of Gloucester, following reports of thefts from properties adjoining the Woko National Park since mid-July.

Naden, who has been on the run for five years, became the first fugitive to have an arrest bounty set on his head since the days of the 19th century bushrangers when then police minister John Watkins announced a $50,000 reward in 2007.

He is suspected of being involved in the disappearance of cousin Lateesha Nolan and the murder of Kristy Scholes, the partner of another cousin who was found dead in Naden's room in Dubbo in 2005.

The series of break-ins since about July 11 have residents on edge, especially after long-time resident Bob Stegg reported his .22 calibre rifle stolen last month.

Mr Stegg, who had not reported a theft for 10 years, has discovered things missing on at least three occasions, while neighbour Tony Snow has also had his place burgled.

Mr Snow said yesterday police had told him they strongly suspected Naden was responsible. Mr Snow's children would not venture more than 50 metres from their weekender.

Senior police refused to comment yesterday, but the Newcastle Herald has been told that officers have come up empty-handed following at least one search near Tomala.

The lack of any large-scale hunt has been criticised by frightened property owners.

In January last year, Naden surfaced in a small town west of Wauchope, where there was a series of break-ins similar to the latest burglaries. Police identified him from fingerprints as the suspect in those raids.

A statement from State Crime Command said the homicide squad was aware of a recent break-in but had not been able to tie it to Naden.

You may not know Naden is 'a wanted man'

You may not know Naden is 'a wanted man'

Fugitive Malcolm Naden could once more live freely in a small community unrecognised by the people near him, the father of missing Dubbo woman Lateesha Nolan says.

Mick Peet wants more publicity on the man who has a $50,000 price on his head - what he is suspected of doing and what he could look like now.

Mr Peet has continued to put his missing daughter out in the public domain in the hope that the mystery will be solved, but he believes the key is to find Malcolm Naden.

Ms Nolan was last seen at the West Dubbo home of a family member in January 2005.

Six months later the body of relation Kristy Scholes-Walker was found in the bedroom of Naden, another family member. He was not there.

Police swooped on Western Plains Zoo in December 2005 but Naden evaded capture.

In January 2009 there were also reports that he had lived in Bellbrook near Kempsey.

Naden had been in the pub at Bellbrook and scavenged at houses for food, Mr Peet said and that’s why the father believes new information could be found.

“There’s not enough work done on letting people know he’s a wanted man,” he said.

“I think he may be in a little town and people don’t know he’s wanted.”

National Missing Persons Week, August 1-7, is as tough a week for Mr Peet as the January anniversary of Ms Nolan’s disappearance.

“I didn’t get much sleep last night thinking about it,” he said.

The compassion Mr Peet feels for others led him to prompt people who were on a missing list to call home.

“Contact your parents, let them know you’re okay,” he said.

And he reiterated the national campaign’s message that it was a myth people had to wait 24 hours to report someone missing.

Mr Peet has obtained more photos of his daughter from her past school friends and he shows no sign of giving up his “crusade”.

“I do get criticised sometimes for trying to find Malcolm Naden,” Mr Peet said.

“I try to get the word out as much as I can because I want my daughter found.

“He’s the only answer I’ve got.”

Lateesha missing for five years

Lateesha missing for five years

by Lea Emery | 4th August 2010

THREE times a year Mick Peet’s sleep becomes uneasy and he starts to feel sick to the stomach with anxiety.

The Innes Park father has spent the past five years in a hellish limbo after his daughter Lateesha Nolan went missing in Dubbo in early January 2005.

“It’s always in the back of my mind. We don’t know where she is,” Mr Peet said.

Each year, Mr Peet’s uncertainty about the whereabouts of his daughter increases around New Year, Lateesha’s birthday in May and National Missing Persons Week — this year held from August 1 to 7.

“I just want closure — they searched the river for two weeks after she went missing and they tell me they have been searching ever since,” he said.

“But we still don’t know what happened.”

Answers may be a step closer for Mr Peet, with the missing person case set for mention in the New South Wales Coroner’s Court on August 13.

Despite no conclusive evidence, Mr Peet and New South Wales police believe Lateesha, who would have been 30 this year, may have been murdered by one of the most wanted men in New South Wales, Malcolm Naden.

“I’d like him caught. I don’t know if he’s out there or if he’s doing this to another girl,” Mr Peet said.

“If he was caught I might be able to find out if it was him or not.”

Mr Peet said he was not sure if he would be able to move on until he knew what had happened to Lateesha.

With the uncertainty hanging over his head, his worry over his daughter’s disappearance has affected his relationship with his three other children, aged between 8 and 16.

“It’s terrible. I don’t want it to happen to the other kids so I’m a bit over-protective,” he said.

“I’ve got one on the internet and she doesn’t like me snooping into her accounts but I need to know who she is talking to.”

Mr Peet said every time he heard about a child going missing, his heart sank.

“I know exactly how they feel,” he said.

“For the kids who just take off — they need to let their parents know where they are. That’s the worst thing, not knowing.”

Mr Peet said this was the first year that there had been no reported sightings of naden.

Missing stats

Each year 4700 people are reported missing in Queensland

99.5% of Queensland’s missing are found

260 people are on the long-term missing register which dates back to 1970

Find this Fugitive

Yesterday 23/05/2010 lateesha would of been 30 years old we miss her very much and need to find out what happen to her love u teesh xx, please if you have not joined her cause do so now here http://apps.facebook.com/causes/202473/18672434?m=6d54c0aa

Our family has been torn apart

A story by Joan nolan about her family the disappearance of my daughter lateesha and the warrant for the wanted person Malcolm naden
my question is Who is helping him ????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Woman,s Day article mystery of dubbo,s missing mum

Little known but when this was taken Where was Malcolm naden ? he wasn't wanted till 6 months later after the death of kristy scholes so many question no answers

please click on each page to read there story

This weeks woman day

There is a article about my daughter Lateesha in this week Woman's day on page 38

Naden still on the run as the Scholes family longs for justice

By Amy McQuire

ISSUE 194, February 4, 2010: It has been nearly five years since Aboriginal mother-of-two Kristy Scholes died, but her family is still crying out for justice.

Ms Scholes was found strangled in a Dubbo home in June 2005.

The man wanted for questioning over her death has been on the run ever since.

Malcolm John Naden - who's fiancé was Ms Scholes' cousin - is the first Australian to have a bounty on his head since the days of notorious bushranger Ned Kelly.

He is also wanted for questioning in relation to the disappearance of his own cousin, Lateesha Nolan, an Aboriginal mother of four who was last seen in January of the same year.

But despite the $50,000 reward for information concerning Mr Naden's whereabouts, he is still at large, much to the concern of Ms Scholes' family.

Her uncle, Tony Scholes told NIT that the family were getting frustrated with the lack of information regarding Mr Naden, and had become increasingly disillusioned with police efforts.

"There have been sightings, but no-one has actually been able to apprehend him at all, so he's still at large," Mr Scholes told NIT.

"I don't think there's much happening with the police."

The search for Mr Naden made world headlines in December 2005 when police closed down Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo following confirmed reports that he had been hiding out there.

Since then, police have confirmed several sightings of Mr Naden in regional New South Wales.

In February 2006, he evaded an operation of 60 police at an Aboriginal mission in the Central West town of Condobolin.

In 2008, there were also sightings at Bellbrook, west of Kempsey - where police say they found Mr Naden's fingerprints after a break and enter.

In initial investigations, police were concerned that there were members of the community aiding Mr Naden, despite him being described as an expert bushman.

Police have since dismissed these fears, but Mr Scholes told NIT that "there's gotta be somebody".

"He's not doing any of this by himself, he can't get his own tucker, he's got to be eating normal food. He's stealing it or getting somebody to bring it for him," Mr Scholes said.

Mr Scholes said that the family wanted closure, describing Ms Scholes as "fun-loving, outgoing" and the "daughter every man would like to have."

"She was a good mother to her children, a good partner, and just a delightful young woman who had her life taken from her like that."

"...What we want is closure on it. We want to find this guy and get closure and make sure he tells us everything..."

Mr Scholes said the family had few options, but were always appealing to the community for help in finding Mr Naden.

"We've got the internet, we've got communities where everyone knows each other.

"We spread the word world-wide and far around Australia so people can see this guy and come forward. What if this happened to your family member?"



• Never approach, contact or attempt to apprehend a wanted person. If you sight or are aware of the whereabouts of a wanted person you should telephone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or your local police station.

Time may go by but our cops don’t stop

Time may go by but our cops don’t stop
It seems appropriate that in the week of the five-year anniversary of the disappearance of a Dubbo mother, another unrelated and long-time unsolved crime has been resolved and its perpetrator brought to justice.

Lateesha Nolan, 24, was last seen at her grandmother’s West Dubbo home on January 4, 2005.

Police hold grave fears for her safety and welfare, while her family has suffered greatly because of her disappearance.

Fugitive Malcolm Naden - Ms Nolan’s cousin - is wanted for questioning in relation to her disappearance and there is a warrant for his arrest in relation to the death of another family member, Kristy Scholes.

In the five years since her disappearance, the public has told the police what they know, but the piece of intelligence that will solve this case has still not surfaced.

Maintaining hope that Ms Nolan’s fate will eventually be known could seem difficult if not impossible

Hunt still on for missing woman

Hunt still on for missing woman
HEATHER CROSBY
08 Jan, 2010 04:00 AM
The Sydney Homicide Squad and Orana detectives are continuing to investigate the mystery disappearance of Dubbo woman Lateesha Nolan.

The mother of four was last seen at her grandmother’s West Dubbo home on January 4, 2005.

Ms Nolan was then aged 24 and described as 165cm tall, of medium build and complexion with green/hazel eyes and brown hair.

Her car was later found abandoned near the Macquarie River.

Ms Nolan is one of at least 11 women missing in NSW - six of whom were last seen between Katoomba and Dubbo.

Orana Local Area Command crime manager Detective Inspector Rod Blackman yesterday reiterated the grave fears held for Ms Nolan’s safety and welfare.

He renewed calls for people to come forward with information.

According to Police Media, investigating officers have received more than 1000 pieces of information from the public about the disappearance of Ms Nolan.

“We are constantly receiving information and rely on members of the public to tell us anything they know,’’ a spokesperson said.

Ms Nolan is the cousin of fugitive Malcolm Naden who is wanted for questioning in relation to her disappearance.

Police are also seeking Naden in relation to the death of Dubbo mother of two Kirsty Scholes.

The body of Ms Scholes was found in a house in Bunglegumbie Drive, West Dubbo on June 23, 2005.

An additional arrest warrant for Naden has been issued in relation to a 2004 offence of indecently assaulting a child.

Police believe Naden is at large somewhere in NSW. In 2005 a sighting at Taronga Western Plains Zoo resulted in an extensive search of the area.

As of November 2008 he was believed to be hiding in bushland hills in the Kempsey region.

Anyone with information about Naden is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Last year Deputy State Coroner Carl Milovanovich called on the NSW Government to set up a special taskforce to reinvestigate a string of unsolved missing person cases, including Lateesha Nolan.

Ms Nolan’s family continues to appeal for public assistance in relation to her disappearance.

Ms Nolan was born Lateesha Jane Peet at Dubbo on May 23 1980. She is known to friends as Teesha.

heather.crosby@ruralpre ss.com