Australia's most wanted fugitive who was caught last month and charged with murder faces 14 fresh counts of breaking and entering related to his seven years on the run, police said Tuesday.
Malcolm Naden was caught in a remote cabin on a property near Gloucester in the hinterland of the New South Wales state's north coast last month after an intense manhunt in rugged forest area.
After his capture he was charged with murdering 24-year-old mother-of-two Kristy Scholes, attempting to kill a police officer, and two counts of aggravated indecent assault on a 15-year-old girl.
Police said 13 fresh charges of break, enter and steal and one of break and enter with intent to steal had been laid against him.
Naden went into hiding in June 2005 when he was wanted for questioning by police over the disappearance of his cousin, Lateesha Nolan. Police are still searching the banks of the Macquarie River in hopes of finding her remains.
Naden previously worked as a shearer, skinner and boner in an abattoir and has been described as a “master bushman” with an intimate knowledge of the rugged terrain in which he was hiding.
His ability to evade authorities evoked comparisons to famous 19th century Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, who was seen as a working-class hero despite murdering three police officers.
Police have previously alleged that Naden broke into remote farmhouses during his years on the run, stocking up on supplies and weapons for use while living rugged in the bush.
His case came before a Sydney court Tuesday where it was adjourned to June 7. Naden, who is being held in a high-security prison, did not appear. - Sapa-AFP