Graham Potter faces court in Melbourne after over a decade on the run

Graham Potter faced court in Melbourne after 12 years as one of Australia’s most wanted men.

He did not apply for bail and will return to court on 18 May to face original charges, including two counts conspiracy to commit murder.

He also faces one charge related to trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine and one for failing to answer bail back in 2010.

Mr Potter’s lawyer requested he be assessed for suitability to be placed in protective custody.

Police apprehended Mr Potter at an address in Far North Queensland earlier this week and he was extradited to Victoria on Wednesday.

GRAHAM POTTER
Fugitive Graham Potter was apprehended in Queensland on Monday after 12 years on the run and extradited to Victoria. Ian Currie Credit: News Corp Australia

With his hair pulled back into a long grey ponytail and grey beard, the 64-year-old was surrounded by law enforcement officers as he exited the plane at Melbourne airport.

Mr Potter was initially sought by police in 2010 over an alleged conspiracy to commit murder and in regards to an alleged major drug trafficking scheme.

After failing to appear in court, Mr Potter took up a life on the run, using disguises and befriending locals for help in far north Queensland.

Police had grave fears for the public’s safety due to a previous murder for which Mr Potter was found guilty and served 15 years.

In 1981, he murdered and decapitated 19-year-old Kim Barry after meeting her at a Wollongong nightclub.

GRAHAM POTTER
Asked by reporters as he left Cairns airport if he ever thought he would be caught, Mr Potter laughed and simply replied, ‘No’. Ian Currie. Credit: News Corp Australia

Asked by reporters as he left Cairns airport if he ever thought he would be caught, Mr Potter laughed and simply replied, “No”.

Asked what he had been doing for the past 12 years, he said, “living life” and “avoiding being killed”.

Police finally caught up with him at a residence in Ravenshoe, roughly 40km south west of Cairns.

The house was described by police as being in disarray, with kittens locked up in metal cages, and rubbish littered throughout the house.

Mrxjmtzyw Potter is expected to face the Victorian courts either tonight or tomorrow morning.