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Runaway found hiding in garden with illicit drug stash after spending night at club

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Kellie BalaamAlbany Advertiser
An Albany man was involved in a police pursuit, then escaped custody only to be found hiding in a garden with a variety of drugs.
Camera IconAn Albany man was involved in a police pursuit, then escaped custody only to be found hiding in a garden with a variety of drugs. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser

An Albany man was involved in a police pursuit, then escaped custody only to be found hiding in a garden with a variety of drugs.

Marcus Lyle McGowan, 22, appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court last Thursday, pleading guilty to six charges including escaping lawful custody, no authority to drive, and possessing cannabis, meth and LSD.

Police prosecutor Sgt Dave Loverock told the court McGowan was involved in a police pursuit through Orana.

After the man abandoned his vehicle, police discovered he was not authorised to drive as his licence had been disqualified.

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They placed him under arrest but he managed to twist his arms free and run away.

McGowan was found in the driveway of Motel Le Grande, hiding in a bush.

The bag he was carrying contained 4.5g of cannabis, 2g of methamphetamine, and one tab of LSD.

Representing himself in court, McGowan said he had no explanation for his actions except that he was “coming back from the club”.

“I was intoxicated. I don’t recall my actions,” he told the court.

Magistrate Dianne Scaddan criticised him for not attending his alcohol and drug counselling on a regular basis.

“If you want future employment, a good place to start is by addressing your drug problem,” she said.

He was fined a total of $2950.

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