Mark Horne: Australia’s most wanted man is found ‘hidden in the hull of a YACHT’

One of Australia’s most wanted men has been found allegedly trying to flee the country by hiding in the hull of a yacht. 

Northern Territory Police’s Joint Organised Crime Taskforce allegedly found Mark Horne, 32, on the boat as it tried to sail from Cullen Bay Marina in Darwin late on Wednesday afternoon. 

Horne, from NSW, was on bail when he allegedly cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet in October and fled Sydney on a private jet. 

The bikie associate was awaiting trial for the September, 2020 alleged non-fatal shooting of truck driver Leith Carstairs and the theft of $550,000 in Mt Lambie in the Blue Mountains.

His bail conditions included being required to report to police daily, not associate with any Rebels bikies, observe a 9pm curfew, a $50,000 surety and wearing an ankle monitor.

Horne also had to surrender his passport, with police believing he was planning to flee the country. 

He was taken into custody by NT Police and will face an extradition hearing in Darwin on Monday.

Officers also arrested two other men, aged 52 and 43, on the boat. 

NT Police Commander Matt Hollamby said the arrests signified ‘excellent work’ by the joint taskforce. 

AFP Commander Central Command Erica Merrin praised the quick response and diligent work of the Northern Territory Joint Organised Crime Taskforce investigators.

‘This incident demonstrates how organised crime has no borders, and highlights the importance of genuine interagency collaboration to keep our Australian community safe,’ Ms Merrin said.