A dramatic police operation has brought a five-day manhunt to an end after authorities recaptured alleged Mongols bikie member Brandt Graham in Darwin.
The 44-year-old sparked a major search effort across the city after escaping from the Darwin Local Court last Friday. Police said Graham was under the supervision of private security guards while appearing in court on serious drug and weapons charges when he suddenly jumped from the dock and fled the courthouse.
CCTV footage captured the moment Graham sprinted from the court building and ran down Cavenagh Street in Darwin’s CBD, with two security guards chasing behind him.
Northern Territory Police launched an extensive manhunt, with the Fugitive Taskforce tracking Graham to multiple locations throughout Darwin. Investigators allege he actively evaded capture with assistance from several associates during the five days he remained on the run.
The search came to an end when police intercepted a grey Mazda in the Palmerston suburb of Gunn. Officers stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Lakeview Boulevard and Chung Wah Terrace, where Graham was taken into custody.
Body-worn camera footage released by police shows officers moving in to arrest the fugitive, ending the high-profile manhunt without further incident.
During the investigation, police arrested seven people linked to Graham on various outstanding warrants, alleged bail breaches, and drug-related offences. Authorities also charged a 25-year-old woman accused of helping the fugitive avoid capture.
Graham has now been returned to custody and is expected to face additional charges related to his escape from court. Police continue to investigate whether others assisted him while he was on the run.
The incident has raised questions about courthouse security procedures after a prisoner facing serious criminal allegations was able to escape from custody in broad daylight.
