Graham Potter arrest: Ravenshoe community share stories of living with Australia’s most wanted man
Victorian fugitive Graham Potter would load up on fresh cut meats at the Far North butcher shop near where he was arrested as it emerged he was regularly seen engaging with the tiny community.
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VICTORIAN fugitive Graham Potter would load up on sausages and steak at the Far North butcher shop near where he was arrested as it emerged he was regularly seen engaging with the tiny community.
The man who authorities have been trying to catch for 12 years was a weekly shopper at the Ravenshoe Butchery “every Wednesday at six” as other residents in the state’s highest town revealed their encounters with Australia’s most wanted man.
“I didn’t know who he was but he used to come in here every Wednesday at about six or five past six,” owner Dick Jensen said.
“Last Wednesday he got half a kilo of thin beef sausages and a T Bone.
“So I’ve lost a customer now.”
After more than a decade and countless sightings on the Tablelands, the convicted murderer was hiding in squalor just 90 minutes south of a Tully caravan park where detectives were sure he was hiding out in 2010.
Back then they found a trove of disguises, including a fat suit, and camping equipment, but there was no fooling the Tablelands detectives on Monday night when they swooped on a run-down shed on Ascham Street.
Ravenshoe apprentice butcher Leeroy Wilkes said many in the town were curious about the ramshackle house on a corner block just off the main street, where he was found hiding.
“Everyone who lived here had their suspicions about that place, so we don’t know if he’s been there for a while,” he said.
“I’ve seen him quite a few times around town, and they cleaned up that place, because it used to be a pigsty outside, I actually saw him cleaning up out there.
“I’d see him driving a car with a trailer on with a whole bunch of stuff in the back.
“I never knew who he was but now I’m like, wow. I was just surprised he was living in our town.”
It comes as many others described the town as “the perfect place to hide”.
Ravenshoe local Wayne Feldt said he wasn’t surprised.
“He has found himself a quiet little place and managed to stay off the radar” he said.
“Most people around here just keep to themselves and do what they do.”
Millstream’s Sarah Williams said she had no idea about the development until she drove into town this morning.
“I have probably been chatting to him all week, I wouldn't know,” she said.
“We have a lot of characters out here, it’s quite eccentric, we’re all very accepting and there are a lot of travellers that come through as well.”
Cafe worker Elke Van Engelgem, 21, said it had been “quite funny” witnessing everyone react to the news.
“We have been having a giggle that there has been someone like that in town living right next to the school,” she said.
“He was hiding in plain sight.”
Hot Springs resident Susan Carrick said she was stunned.
This week’s arrest comes after he fled Victorian authorities when due to appear in a Melbourne court on February 1, 2010 on two charges of conspiracy to murder.
The 64-year-old will be extradited back to Victoria to face two counts of suspicion to murder after having his court appearance heard by video link in Cairns Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Mr Potter’s case was heard just before midday where he was remanded in custody and his extradition to Melbourne ordered.
He is expected to travel from Cairns on Wednesday at 1pm.
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Originally published as Graham Potter arrest: Ravenshoe community share stories of living with Australia’s most wanted man
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