Lawyers for a British man who crossed the Torres Strait on a jet ski trying to flee an inevitable jail term in Western Australia for supplying drugs are in talks with prosecutors over his remaining charges.
Armed with a crossbow and loaded with supplies for the 140-kilometre journey, 57-year-old David James Jackson took off from the tip of Queensland and made it to Papua New Guinean waters but was nabbed on the eastern side of Saibai Island.
The father of two was extradited to Perth in March and last month sentenced to seven years and five months' jail for possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply and possessing stolen property.
The charges date back to 2016, when police found 840g of 85 per cent pure methylamphetamine inside a speaker box in his car.
The District Court of WA heard the long-term stimulant user had accepted meth as part payment for his work as a tow truck driver and when his boss went into custody, he took over the drug dealing business to maintain his own supply.
Jackson planned to go to trial but entered late guilty pleas, then fled the country while out on bail and awaiting sentencing.
He intended starting a new life in Bali but had no plan for when he got there and didn't have much money.
Jackson faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday via videolink from a maximum-security prison and was due to be sentenced for two counts of breaching bail, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing stolen property.
But his lawyers sought an adjournment so he can receive further legal advice while negotiations with the Director of Public Prosecutions continue.
Jackson will next face court on August 7.
After serving his term, he likely faces deportation to the UK, which he left at age five.
Australian Associated Press
