Ex-'Instagram bikie’ Ben Geppert in court after bizarre Tallebudgera Creek escape attempt

Former ‘Instagram bikie’ Ben Geppert has opened up on why he removed his GPS tracker before a desperate bid to evade arrest. Read what happened when he faced court.

EX-HELLS Angels bikie Ben Geppert claims it was a “brain snap” that drove him to remove his ankle monitor before a bizarre escape attempt across Tallebudgera Creek.

Southport Magistrates Court was told Geppert was at his Varsity Lakes home when he ripped off his parole-ordered tracking device in the early hours of January 15.

Police prosecutor Ian Adams said GPS signals showed the bracelet remained at Geppert’s home, but its removal meant he was unlawfully at large.

Officers tried to arrest the former “Instagram bikie” when they spotted him on Awoonga Ave at Burleigh Heads two days later, but he dived into Tallebudgera Creek and swam across to the other side.

Former bikie Ben Geppert promoting his clothing label BG Premium Apparel. Picture: Instgram

Geppert tried unsuccessfully to start an unmanned dinghy to aid his escape, but soon abandoned it and fled on foot. He was arrested later that evening.

The 31-year-old appeared in court via videolink from jail, where he spent the 52 days since his arrest.

Defence lawyer Vered Turner said Geppert and his partner had a seven-month-old daughter and were expecting a second child, and he hoped to be out in time for the birth.

Ms Turner said Geppert was performing “the best he’d ever done” on parole when several personal issues – including the release from custody of the man who fatally stabbed his brother – drove him to drinking liquor on an empty stomach.

“The only way to describe what he did was having a brain snap – he has no idea why he (did it),” she said.

Geppert pleaded guilty to wilful damage to corrective services property, being unlawfully at large, and attempted unlawful use of a vessel.

He was sentenced to eight months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months.