By Olivia Mason
A man who triggered a national police search after fleeing South Australia has been sentenced to a minimum of seven months in jail for theft and driving offenses.
Allan John Hopkins, 45, was wanted for serious sexual offenses involving a child under 18 in South Australia, as well as for crimes in other states.
He was apprehended on Monday following a coordinated search by police from South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, alongside a public appeal for information regarding his location.
In Moree Local Court on Tuesday, Hopkins pleaded guilty to several charges, including dangerous driving to evade police, driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, stealing a motor vehicle, and breaking and entering with theft of items valued under $60,000.
The court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, with a non-parole period of seven months. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Hopkins had made concerning statements to police, expressing suicidal thoughts and indicating he was prepared to harm himself.
His lawyer also highlighted that Hopkins had significant health issues, including a history of heart problems and being on medication following double bypass surgery.
South Australian police announced plans to seek his extradition at the end of his NSW sentence to address the serious allegations of child offenses.
Detective Superintendent Scott Fitzgerald noted that further details about the allegations could not be disclosed at this time. Additionally, Hopkins is wanted for offenses in Victoria and Queensland. He is set to be eligible for release in December and has been disqualified from holding a driver’s license for 12 months.