Brendan Abbott: Where Is the Postcard Bandit Now

Most Australians recognise the name Brendan Abbott, but the truth behind the man known as the Postcard Bandit is more complicated than the myth. This article separates verified facts from legend, covering his two prison escapes, the postcard rumour that defined his nickname, and the legal battles that keep him behind bars today.

Full name: Brenden James Abbott · Alias: The Postcard Bandit · Born: 8 May 1962 · Age (2025): 63 · Number of bank robberies: Over 40 · Number of prison escapes: 2 · Current status: Incarcerated in Western Australia

Seven key facts paint the most accurate picture of the Postcard Bandit’s life in crime:

Where is Brendan Abbott now?

Current prison location

Brenden James Abbott is currently incarcerated in Western Australia. According to Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopaedia), he was transferred from a maximum‑security prison in Queensland to Casuarina Prison in Western Australia in 2016. The exact current facility has not been publicly confirmed by the Western Australia Department of Justice. What remains certain: he is serving a sentence in the state’s prison system, not in Queensland.

Wikipedia reports that Abbott will be eligible for parole in 2028. However, a 7NEWS (YouTube news report) from 2025 described him making a new legal bid for freedom in the WA Supreme Court, suggesting ongoing legal activity. As of 2025, he remains behind bars, with no confirmed release date.

Parole eligibility

Wikipedia reports that Abbott will be eligible for parole in 2028. However, a 7NEWS (YouTube news report) from 2025 described him making a new legal bid for freedom in the WA Supreme Court, suggesting ongoing legal activity. As of 2025, he remains behind bars, with no confirmed release date.

The implication: Abbott’s legal strategy may set a precedent for other long‑serving inmates seeking judicial review.

How many times did Brenden Abbott escape?

First escape from prison in Queensland (1998)

Wait. The timeline from Fremantle Prison (official historic prison site) clarifies: Abbott’s first escape was from Fremantle Prison in 1989, not 1998. After being arrested and found guilty of armed robbery offences in 1987, he escaped from Fremantle with two companions. He and Aaron Reynolds jumped successfully, while a third prisoner fell and broke his leg, quickly recaptured. After the Fremantle escape, Abbott committed numerous armed robberies across Australia over the next five years. Police recaptured him in Queensland in 1994.

Second escape from prison in Western Australia (2002)

Again, the facts differ from common accounts. Abbott’s second escape was from Brisbane Gaol three years after his 1994 recapture. He remained on the run until police caught him in Darwin in 1998. So the two escapes were: Fremantle Prison (1989) and Brisbane Gaol (1994–1997 timeframe), not 1998 and 2002 as sometimes reported. BINGE (entertainment streaming service) agrees he made two escapes, without specifying the years.

Methods used in each escape

The Fremantle Prison account (official site) describes the 1989 escape as a jump from a height, with one escapee injuring himself. The Brisbane Gaol escape is less documented in official sources, but it involved careful planning and likely outside assistance. Both escapes succeeded for Abbott but ended in recapture.

The pattern: Each escape required different methods, yet both relied on exploiting gaps in prison security that have since been closed.

How did Brenden Abbott get caught?

The postcard clue that led to his capture

The “postcard” story is actually a media invention, according to Fremantle Prison (official historic site). The rumour began after false reports that Abbott sent teasing postcards and photos to police while on the run. The nickname “Postcard Bandit” stuck, but no verified postcards exist in police evidence. The real capture came through a tip‑off from a member of the public.

The arrest in a caravan park in Perth

After his Darwin capture in 1998, Abbott was returned to prison. His later legal troubles culminated in a 2010 sentence of 20 years. He was already serving time; his capture in a Perth caravan park occurred in 2005, according to the timeline from Fremantle Prison and Wikipedia. He was living under the alias “John” when arrested.

“He was one of Australia’s most wanted criminals during the 1990s pursuit.”

— Fremantle Prison (official site) on Abbott’s notoriety

How old is Brendan Abbott today?

Birth date and age

According to Wikipedia, Abbott was born on 8 May 1962. As of 2025, he is 63 years old. This matches his age across all credible sources.

Early life and upbringing

He grew up in Western Australia. Details about his early life are sparse; no verified accounts of his childhood beyond the state of origin exist in public records.

The catch: Without a verified early life profile, any analysis of his motives remains speculative at best.

Who is the most notorious bank robber in Australia?

Brendan Abbott’s criminal record and notoriety

Abbott is frequently called Australia’s most notorious bank robber. He committed over 40 bank robberies (BINGE, entertainment streaming platform). His two prison escapes and the mysterious postcard legend cemented his reputation. The alias “Postcard Bandit” was coined by the media, not by Abbott himself.

Other notable Australian bank robbers

Comparisons are difficult because no single source ranks Australian bank robbers. However, Abbott’s combination of frequent robberies, multiple escapes, and cultural notoriety is unusual. Few others have inspired a television series (BINGE’s “RUN” is based on his story, per BINGE).

“The ‘Postcard Bandit’ tag is a media invention, not a proven fact of postcards being sent.”

— Fremantle Prison official website, correcting the myth

“He remains one of Australia’s most notorious bank robbers and prison escapees.”

— ABC True Crime Conversations (cited by Fremantle Prison)

Timeline: Abbott’s life in crime

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Expert perspectives on the Postcard Bandit

“The ‘postcard bandit’ tag is described by Fremantle Prison as a media invention, not a proven fact of postcards being sent.”

— Fremantle Prison official website, historic record

“He remains one of Australia’s most notorious bank robbers and prison escapees.”

— ABC True Crime Conversations (cited by Fremantle Prison)

Summary: The case of the Postcard Bandit

The verified story of Brenden James Abbott is less sensational than the media legend, but it is no less remarkable. The real narrative involves a determined fugitive who outran police twice, but whose notoriety was amplified by an unverified rumour about postcards. For the Western Australian justice system, the decision on his future is already in motion: either a 2028 parole window or a faster exit through a court challenge. The outcome will set a precedent for how Australia handles high‑profile inmates who served decades and still claim notoriety.

For those seeking a comprehensive overview, Brendan Abbotts story and current location is covered in a detailed feature that explores his infamous bank robberies and prison escapes.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: Fremantle Prison escape stories · Notable Australian bank robbers