Former Ballina fugitive Ochre David Wood, 23, has pleaded guilty to 35 offences, with his sentencing date set at Ballina Local Court today.
Wood appeared by video link from custody before Judge K Crittenden, who listed his sentencing for January 2027.
Pursuits and break-ins
The offences date from 2024 to 2026.
They include seven counts of driving vehicles taken without their owners’ consent and six counts of driving while his licence was cancelled.
Wood also admitted three theft offences, three counts of entering enclosed land without a lawful excuse, two break-ins, two dangerous police pursuits, stealing a motor vehicle and an assault that caused bodily harm.
His other guilty pleas include mid-range drink-driving, entering a vehicle or boat without permission, using an unauthorised number plate and driving unregistered or uninsured vehicles.
There were also unlicensed-driving and personal-watercraft offences.
Fugitive sparked major Police search
Wood became well known across the Northern Rivers in late 2025 when police sought him on outstanding warrants for assault, property and traffic offences.
The manhunt turned into a weeks-long cat-and-mouse search, with members of the public reporting sightings around South Ballina, Empire Vale, Wardell and Keith Hall.
Residents also reported seeing Wood riding trail bikes across rural properties as police tried to track him down.
The search caused concern among families living in isolated areas.
Specialist Tactical Response Group officers were brought from Sydney to assist local police, while additional Highway Patrol officers also joined the search.
Rural Crime Investigators launched Operation Philvor in November 2025 to investigate linked offences and locate Wood.
He was finally arrested at a Westlands Place property in West Ballina on December 9, 2025.
Police executed seven outstanding warrants following his arrest.
Wood’s bail remains refused and he is expected to appear by video from custody when sentenced on January 29 2027.
He has been behind bars since his arrest and will have spent almost 14 months in custody by his sentencing date.
No time served show them they can’t do anything illegal without consequences
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