A man has been extradited to Sydney for the alleged attempted murder of a man 18 years ago, NSW Police say.
Police will allege that on Monday 15 June 1998, a 27-year-old man was seriously injured when an improvised explosive device detonated outside a home in Opala Street at Belrose.
An investigation into the incident was initiated by detectives from Northern Beaches Local Area Command.
On Monday 14 September 1998, detectives arrested a 29-year-old man: the man was committed to stand trial on attempted murder, however, while on bail he allegedly left Australia on 27 July 1999 using a stolen passport.
In November 2015, detectives from Northern Beaches Local Area Command re-examined the case and on Sunday 17 April 2016, a 47-year-old man was arrested with the assistance of the Australian Federal Police and British law enforcement authorities, as he tried to enter the United Kingdom using alleged fraudulent travel documents.
About 5am today tomorrow, detectives from Northern Beaches Local Area Command arrived in Sydney with the man; he has been taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he has been charged by virtue of a District Court Warrant for the offence of attempted murder.
The man has been remanded in custody to appear before Parramatta Bail Court later today.
Northern Beaches Local Area Commander, Superintendent Dave Darcy said this has been a very complex and protracted investigation, utilising significant resources.
"The arrest of this man – some 18 years after the alleged offence – demonstrates the lengths my officers will go to ensure matters are appropriately investigated," said Supt Darcy.
"I’d like to congratulate them on their perseverance and professionalism. Arrests like this powerfully demonstrate to victims of violent crime; we are determined to bring offenders before the courts irrespective of how challenging the investigation may be."
