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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Mardi Borg

Man who 'avoided police' for months found at motel, charged over stolen bike, firearms

A man allegedly seen riding a stolen motorcycle dangerously has been arrested at a NSW motel and extradited to Canberra after spending months "actively avoiding police".

Jack Andrew Barton, 34, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday, July 20, charged with riding a motor vehicle without consent and unauthorised possession of prohibited firearms.

Magistrate James Stewart said the man had been "actively avoiding police" since January, including by using fake names, before his arrest in NSW.

Police allege a black 2023 Yamaha XSR900 was stolen from a secure car park in January 2026.

Later that month, members of the public reported seeing the stolen motorcycle being ridden dangerously in Macquarie and Kingston by a rider who appeared to be under the influence of a substance.

The motorcycle was later located in Kingston, prompting officers to execute a search warrant at a unit on Wentworth Avenue.

A still from the video of Jack Andrew Barton's arrest in NSW. Picture supplied

During the search, police found a small loaded handgun, a taser, and a Yamaha motorcycle key matching the stolen bike.

Officers later identified Barton as the alleged rider and the owner of the seized items.

An arrest warrant was issued last week, and with the assistance of NSW Police, Barton was found at a motel in Yass, NSW.

On Friday, he was arrested and appeared in Goulburn Local Court for extradition proceedings to the ACT.

Magistrate James Stewart refused Barton's bail application on Monday, finding he posed a "very high risk" of failing to appear in court based on his criminal history.

He described the allegations as serious, saying Barton was allegedly riding the motorcycle while "significantly intoxicated".

His case will return to court in September.

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