South Hedland man still missing

A South Hedland man missing for three weeks has been described by his former boss as a lovable “bushie” who wouldn’t harm anyone.

Lindsay Edward Judas has not been seen since February 8 when he was witnessed driving in Port Hedland and believed to be headed towards Broome on a fishing trip.

Later that day, closed-circuit television captured Mr Judas accessing a Broome ATM, but the 55-year-old failed to turn up for work on February 14 and has not been in contact with family or workmates since.

His bank account has not been accessed since February 8.

Police said a female witness claimed to have approached Mr Judas in Broome last Monday, after mistaking him for a friend.

South Hedland police Senior Sergeant Mick Hayes said police were confident the sighting was Mr Judas; however, he had been described as “dishevelled and vacant”.

Uluru Express owner Lance Nunn, who employed Mr Judas for eight years until last June, said the disappearance was out of character for the former tour guide.

Originally from the small Queensland town of Ogmore, Mr Judas had lived in the bush for most of his life, Mr Nunn said.

“Honestly, he is the type of bloke that gets along with anyone. He’s just a big, bloody gentle bear as far as I’m concerned. He’s very, very popular. Just a nice bloke (and) wouldn’t do anyone harm,” he said.

Mr Judas, who does not have a wife or children, moved to Port Hedland last year to take up a job in the resources sector.

Mr Nunn said nothing appeared awry when he spoke to his mate three weeks before the disappearance.

“He was as usual. I didn’t notice anything,” he said.

“Lindsay’s got some very close friends who keep in contact with him three to five times a week on the social media side of things and not one of them was given any indication of concern. We’ve all been talking and trying to piece together what happened.”

The immediate family have been gravely concerned since Mr Judas failed to phone his mother on her recent birthday.

Mr Nunn said it was the first time this had ever occurred.

Mr Judas is described as being fair skinned, about 185cm tall with a solid build, with white sandy hair and glasses.

He drives a white Nissan Navara with the distinctive number plate of LXXXXJ.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 131 444.