Search for Federal Court judge Guy Andrew ends in tragedy

A search for missing Federal Circuit Court judge Guy Andrew in bushland in inner Brisbane has led to the tragic discovery of his body.

Queensland have located the body of Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew five days after he dissapeared.

A search for missing Federal Circuit Court judge Guy Andrew in bushland in inner Brisbane has led to the tragic discovery of his body.

Judge Andrew was found dead in bushland about 5km from Payne Road at The Gap near the Enoggera Reservoir on Thursday afternoon, five days after he disappeared.

Queensland police said they were still working to formally identify him.

“Police co-ordinating a search operation for a 55-year-old man reported missing on October 4 have located the body of a man late this afternoon,” Queensland Police said in a statement.

“The body has not yet been formally identified. Police wish to thank everyone involved in the search including Australian Defence Force, State Emergency Services, Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and the community. The investigation is ongoing.”

Family Court Chief Justice William Alstergren said in a statement on Thursday night that Judge Andrew was survived by his wife Nicole and daughters Bridget and Morgan.

“His Honour will be remembered as a fine, highly respected barrister and a diligent and determined judge who lived a life of service to others and to the law,” Chief Justice Alstergren said.

Police coordinating a search operation for a 55-year-old man reported missing on October 4, have located the body of a man late this afternoon. https://t.co/sXLeKgOYvE pic.twitter.com/A3eRd5Vf97

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) October 8, 2020

“He was loved and admired by many during his long career at the Bar and he made many good friendships in his short time on the Bench.

“The esteem in which he was held was evident by the large number of judges, barristers, solicitors, associates and other Court staff who took an active part in the search for him.

“His tragic passing is a timely reminder of the extraordinary pressure on all who practice in the often highly emotive family law jurisdiction. This pressure can be exacerbated by appointment.”

The discovery follows the army on Thursday joining police, State Emergency Service volunteers, park rangers and family and friends in searching for Judge Andrew.

Judge Andrew left his family home in north Brisbane around 3am Sunday. His Toyota Hilux was discovered abandoned near the foot of Mt Coot-tha later that day and he was reportedly without his phone, wallet or shoes.

Friends and colleagues had concerns for his wellbeing when he disappeared, after he was transferred from Townsville to Brisbane for counselling and mentoring following criticism by the Full Court of the Family Court for “cruel” behaviour in court.

Chief Justice Alstergren said with “the support and encouragement so freely offered by his colleagues”, Judge Andrew “was navigating his way through these challenges”.

Superintendent Christopher Stream had earlier said the terrain had been “extremely difficult” to cover. Before the discovery of the body, police had been planning to expand the search on Friday, saying there had been a number of possible sightings.