Wanted man

Dubbo man Malcolm John Naden, 31, has been accused of strangling his 24-year-old cousin Kristy Scholes and is believed to have information about the disappearance of another cousin, 24-year-old Lateesha Nolan.

Detective Sergeant Bryne Ruse, who heads the Strike Force to find Naden, said since the large bounty was placed on the fugitive on Wednesday, calls had come in from all over NSW but west or north-western regions of NSW were the primary search areas.

He said police would also be watching all main exit routes out of Dubbo including north east towards Tamworth, south to Condobolin and north to Bourke and Walgett.

He said there was intelligence that Naden had acquaintances in Coonabarabran who were investigated in February 2005 and had strong connections with the Tamworth and New England regions.

Det Sgt Ruse said although Naden was essentially a loner and a recluse police believed he had associates in the community who were transporting the former abattoir worker and shearer by private vehicle over long distances across the State.

"He has been sighted in various places over great distances and is not known to have an income or a car so he's getting help from someone," Det Sgt Ruse said.

Naden is an experienced bushman and police believe he was hiding out in Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo for a time.

The $50,000 police reward for information leading to Naden's capture is the first offered for a fugitive since a £1000 reward was put out for Ned Kelly in the 1800s.

But Det Sgt Ruse says Naden is no Australian bush legend.

"Malcolm Naden is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of a woman," he said.

"There's nothing legendary about it – he's a dangerous

person."

There has been only one indisputable sighting of Naden since June 23, 2005 after the body of Ms Scholes was found on the floor of his bedroom at his grandparents' West Dubbo home.

That sighting was December, 2005, at the Dubbo Zoo.

Naden is also wanted for interview regarding the disappearance of his cousin, 24-year-old Lateesha Nolan, who had dropped two of her four children off at the same house on January 4 last year.

Naden is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, 177cm tall, 85 kilograms, of medium build with an olive complexion, brown eyes, shaved head, and possibly a moustache and beard.

Det Sgt Ruse said it was important any person who wished to report Naden's whereabouts understood there was no obligation for them to face court to testify.

"The reward is simply given for information leading to Naden's whereabouts – that's it."

Det Sgt Ruse said Naden is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone willing to give reports of sightings or the exact whereabouts of Nolan should call Crimestoppers on

1800 333 000 who will immediately contact the investigating team.