How Tim Elliott got a fugitive to talk after 30 years in hiding

Tim Elliott has done what few could - persuading one of Australia’s most elusive prison escapees to break his silence.

The journalist and author has always been drawn to the hidden corners of people’s lives, shaped in part by his own story of privilege and pain, shadowed by hardship and the loss of his father.

In his latest true crime series, Secrets We Keep: Jailbreak, Tim enters the mind of Darko (aka ‘Dougie’) Desic, a wildly successful weed grower who staged a bold prison escape and remained on the run for decades.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Tim reveals why eccentric and sometimes ‘dodgy’ characters confide in him and reflects on how his family dealt with his father's mental illness.

This episode discusses suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service - 24 hours -1300 659 467

Weekend list with Helen Smith

• TO WATCH: The Thursday Murder Club on Netflix
• TO TRY: Air-fryer (Antoinette is late to the game)
• TO EAT: Smashed potato gem chips
• TO DO: Fathers day message to someone you love

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