You won’t believe what’s happened to Matthew Norman, a member of the infamous Bali Nine, just weeks after he returned to Australia after 19 long years behind bars in Indonesia.
The 38-year-old has been arrested in Sydney and charged over his alleged role in a car theft that dates back to 2005 – before his involvement in a failed drug smuggling operation to Indonesia.
A Blast from the Past: The Car Theft Allegation
It all started on Monday morning when Norman handed himself in at Waverley Police Station, where he was arrested for allegedly being a passenger in a stolen car.
He was also wanted for an outstanding traffic-related warrant, according to NSW Police. But here’s the thing – Norman was initially refused bail and put behind bars, only to be granted bail just hours later by Magistrate Stephen Barlow at Waverley Local Court.
A Quick History Lesson: The Bali Nine
So, who is Matthew Norman and what’s the story behind the Bali Nine? The group, consisting of eight men and one woman, was arrested in 2005 for attempting to smuggle 8.7kg of heroin into Australia.
Norman, who was just 18 at the time, tried to smuggle 334g out of the country. He spent almost two decades in Kerobokan Prison in Bali, narrowly avoiding the death penalty.
Life After Prison: A Waterfront Mansion Awaits
Fast forward to today, and Norman is living a very different life. After being released from prison, he moved into a waterfront mansion in Torquay, Victoria’s southwest.
The two-storey, four-bedroom home is valued at over $4 million and is located above the popular Cosy Corner beach. Not bad for a fresh start, right?
What’s Next for Norman?
Norman will next appear in court on February 25. It’s worth noting that he’s not the only Bali Nine member to have returned to Australia.
The remaining five members returned home last December, marking the first time they’ve set foot in Australia since their transfer to the Indonesian prison. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!