In 1999 serial bank robber John Killick and his lover Lucy Dudko masterminded one of the most daring prison breaks of all time.
Killick, who had turned to a life of crime to feed his gambling addiction, had met Russian immigrant Lucy Dudko at a party four years earlier.
Killick and Dudko went on the run in 1999 when a warrant was issued in Queensland for his arrest on old charges.
But the pair, dubbed Australia’s “Bonnie and Clyde’’ by sections of the media, were separated when Killick was arrested after a failed bank robbery down south in Bowral in January of 1999.
Killick was locked up in Silverwater prison but he immediately started plotting his escape using a helicopter.
On the day arranged between the two lovers, Dudko commandeered a scenic helicopter flight at gunpoint, forced the pilot to land in the exercise yard at Silverwater prison, where Killick was waiting.
The pair spent 45 days on the run before being caught – Killick was sentenced to 23 years jail; Dudko to 10.
Now the former bank robber has written a book about that sensational escape from Silverwater and how it really all came together between him and Lucy Dudko.
On Thursday, February 8, John Killick will be in Campbelltown to discuss his recently released book, The Last Escape: The Man Behind the Most Daring Jailbreak in Australian History.
The talk is part of Campbelltown city library service’s visiting author program, which last year attracted popular authors including Peter FitzSimons, Candice Fox and television presenter Tracey Spicer.
Killick would be one of the most fascinating authors to take part so far in the program, so it’s best to book your spot early.
The Last Escape is a raw, confronting and redemptive story – a story of self-discovery and a wasted life of years in prison, sure, but one the former bank robber hopes will stop other young offenders from making similar mistakes.
And then there’s the biggest loose end of all – what has happened between Killick and his partner in crime Lucy since they were both released. Is the magic still there?
SNASPSHOT
WHAT Campbelltown City Library service’s visiting author program;
WHO John Killick will discuss his recently released book, The Last Escape: The Man Behind the Most Daring Jailbreak in Australian History;
WHERE HJ Daley Library, Campbelltown;
WHEN Thursday, 8 February, 6pm and 8pm;
FREE But bookings essential – phone 4645 4444;
• Light refreshments will be served.
