A man who harbored convicted drug lord Tony Mokbel as he prepared to flee Australia in 2007 has been jailed for 11 years.
Greek-Australian George Elias, 43, had pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice by allowing Mokbel to hide at his property at Bonnie Doon in northeastern Victoria while escape plans were finalized.
Elias also pleaded guilty to dealing in the proceeds of crime and drug and firearm charges.
At the time Mokbel was on trial on serious drug charges of which he was found guilty in his absence.
In sentencing, Justice Simon Whelan said Elias had undertaken a number of significant roles in a journey that took Mokbel to Western Australia and ultimately to Greece.
Elias accompanied Mokbel to WA and assisted in the preparation of the yacht in which he sailed to Greece.
He also played a part in assisting Mokbel to remain in Greece and undertook other activities of increasing importance while Mokbel evaded capture.
Justice Whelan sentenced Elias to eight years for perverting the course of justice, seven years for trafficking in a commercial quantity of methyl amphetamine and two years for dealing with the proceeds of crime.
He ruled that parts of the sentences be served concurrently and that Elias be eligible for parole after eight years.
The judge also allowed the 1552 days Elias has already served on remand since his arrest be taken into account.
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