British man ‘who tried to flee Australia on jet ski while armed with crossbow’ is extradited

David Jackson, 57, is accused of drug-related offences in Western Australia

A 57-year-old British man wanted by police was arrested after allegedly trying to flee Australia on a jet ski. (Australian Border Force)

A British fugitive accused of trying to flee Australia on a jet ski armed with a crossbow is to be extradited.

David Jackson, 57, wanted by police over alleged drug-related offences in Western Australia, was arrested a few miles from Papua New Guinea on Wednesday.

He is alleged to have travelled almost 90 miles across the Torres Strait after launching the jet ski from the Cape York peninsula, in the northern-most part of Queensland.

Police at the time said he was “possibly armed with a crossbow and carrying additional fuel and supplies”.

An extradition application was granted at Cairns Magistrates’ Court in Queensland on Friday.

Western Australia Police said Mr Jackson would be extradited to Perth, where he will appear at Perth Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Commander Jo Crooks, of the Australian Border Force northern command, said the arrest was the result of a joint operation between border force, Australian Federal Police, and Queensland Police.

She added: “We have the ability to detect a range of border threats, including suspicious movements through the region.”