Brendan Abbott: The Postcard Bandit’s Story and Where He Is Now

Every few years, Australia’s fascination with Brendan Abbott resurfaces. The man known as the “Postcard Bandit” is back in the news, whether through documentaries or new parole hearings. Abbott, who robbed over 40 banks according to a Foxtel documentary, and escaped from maximum-security prisons twice, remains one of the country’s most talked-about fugitives. This story traces his arc from a young thief in Perth to a nationally hunted fugitive, and examines where he is today.

Known robberies: over 40 ·
Successful escapes: 2 ·
Time served: 28+ years ·
Birth year: 1962 ·
Current age: 62 (as of 2024) ·
Nickname: “The Postcard Bandit”

Seven key facts paint a clear picture of the man behind the myth.

Where is Brendan Abbott now?

Current imprisonment status

• Brendan Abbott remains incarcerated in Australia. According to Wikipedia, he is serving a 28-year sentence and has been in prison since his capture in 1998.
• The exact prison location is not publicly confirmed, but it is believed to be a high-security facility in Western Australia.

In 2026, a Facebook page supporting Abbott posted that he had “finally decided to seek legal support,” suggesting he is still actively engaged with the justice system (Facebook fan page).

Possible parole eligibility

• Abbott has been denied parole multiple times. The Facebook fan page indicates ongoing legal efforts, but no official parole board records have been published.
• His next parole hearing date is not publicly known.

How many times did Brendan Abbott escape?

The 1989 Fremantle Prison escape

• Abbott escaped from the Tailor’s Shop in the West Workshops of Fremantle Prison on 24 November 1989, according to the Fremantle Prison official site.
• He and two companions used self-made prison officer uniforms, climbed into an air-conditioning duct, and went through the ceiling to the roof. Abbott and Aaron Reynolds jumped successfully, while a third prisoner fell and broke his leg (Fremantle Prison).
• After the escape, he remained on the run for years, reportedly robbing more banks across three states (7NEWS).

The 1997 escape from Wacol

• Abbott escaped again on 5 November 1997, this time from Sir David Longland Prison at Wacol, Queensland (Wikipedia).
• The escape involved four other prisoners, according to Wikipedia.
• He was on the run for six months before being recaptured in Darwin on 2 May 1998 (Wikipedia).

How did Brendan Abbott get caught?

The cat-and-mouse manhunt

• After the 1997 escape, police launched a nationwide manhunt. Abbott reportedly sent postcards to police during his time on the run, earning his nickname (Wikipedia).
• The pursuit was described as a “cat-and-mouse hunt” by news.com.au (via a 2026 article cited in the content plan).

Final arrest in 1998

• Abbott was arrested in Darwin on 2 May 1998 after a confrontation with police (Wikipedia).
• His capture ended a six-month run that had spanned several states.

Who is the mother of Brendan Abbott’s son?

Relationship with the mother

• The mother’s identity has not been widely publicized. Abbott’s son has spoken about his father in a podcast titled When Your Father is Australia’s Most Notorious Bank Robber (True Crime Conversations).
• It is known that the couple had a son together during Abbott’s criminal career, but details of their relationship remain private.

Son’s identity and privacy

• Abbott’s son has chosen to speak publicly about his father, but he has not disclosed his mother’s name. The media has largely respected this privacy.

Who is the most notorious bank robber in Australia?

Brendan Abbott vs. other Australian bank robbers

The comparison table below shows how his two prison breaks differ in method and outcome.

While other Australian bank robbers like Harold Shipman (a different kind of criminal) or Michael Oher (a legal controversy) have captured public imagination, Abbott’s combination of volume, escapes, and enduring notoriety sets him apart. Internationally, the US bank robber Carl Gugasian also stands out, but Abbott’s two successful escapes from maximum security are rare.

Timeline

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

• Brendan Abbott is a convicted Australian bank robber (True Crime Conversations)
• He escaped from custody twice (Fremantle Prison)
• He is still in prison as of 2024 (Wikipedia)
• He was nicknamed “The Postcard Bandit” for sending postcards to police (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

• Exact location of his current prison
• Next parole hearing date
• Where the stolen money is hidden
• Current relationship with his son and son’s mother

Key quotes

“Forty robberies, two escapes, 28 years behind bars. Uncover the truth behind Australia’s most infamous fugitive.”

— Binge documentary description

“Brenden has FINALLY decided to seek legal support, yay 🙂 Unfortunately Lawyers are not cheap.”

— Facebook fan page

“The cat-and-mouse hunt that eventually busted naked criminal.”

— News.com.au reporting

Summary

Brendan Abbott’s story is not just about bank robberies and prison breaks; it’s about a man who became a folk anti-hero in Australia. For the public, the fascination persists because of the unanswered questions—where is the money, who is his son’s mother, and will he ever be free? For the correctional system, the implication is clear: Abbott’s notoriety makes him a high-risk prisoner, and any future parole decision will face intense scrutiny.

For the latest on his prison situation and possible parole, check the Postcard Bandits current status for a 2025 update.

Frequently asked questions