Missing judge is found DEAD next to a popular hiking track just a few kilometres away from his abandoned car - after he was criticised for 'cruel and insulting' comments in a family law case

Judge Guy Andrew, 55, has been found dead in thick bushland five days after he went missing near his home in Brisbane

The body of a missing family court judge has been found off a hiking track just a kilometre from his abandoned car.  

Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew, 55, was last seen leaving his home in Brisbane's north early on Sunday morning heading toward Mt Coot-tha, where he regularly went on morning walks.

His car was found about 2pm on Monday next to bushland at Dillon Road in The Gap.

Queensland Police on Thursday night confirmed a body had been found, understood to be in dense bushland.

The cause of death is yet to be determined and the body has not been formally identified by family.

Judge Andrew was just five weeks earlier condemned by a full bench of the court for 'cruel and insulting' comments he made during a case he presided over.

Lawyers, fellow judges, and even mothers and fathers who appeared before him in court paid tribute to Judge Andrew after it was clear he would not be found alive. 

'This man was the judge who sat on my case. I have been in court for four years with a perpetrator of domestic violence who represented himself and continued to try to use power, control, and manipulation over me even through the judicial system,' Townsville woman Tee Bishop said.

'It only stopped and was fully resolved once we got this Judge. I was so grateful to him and how he managed my case. I'm saddened to hear this.'

Another woman, Dot Blackman, wrote: 'I had him in my case he helped restore my faith in everything got the right outcome for my family.'

A widespread search was sparked after Federal Circuit Court Judge Guy Andrew's car was found abandoned on the side of the road

Tragic timeline of judge found dead in the bush

March 2019: Judge Andrew, a veteran Brisbane family law barrister, is appointed a judge

March 29: He moves to Townsville to be the sole Federal Circuit family court judge in North Queensland

September 26: Judge Andrew gives orders in the Adacot & Sowle case

October 24: His decision is appealed, with some grounds being his conduct during the hearings

June 4, 2020: The full bench of the Family Court hears the appeal

August 28: Appeal judges overturn Judge Andrew's decision, ordering a new hearing and issuing a scathing condemnation of his conduct

September: Judge Andrew is moved to Brisbane for 'training and mentoring' with all his sittings supervised 

October 3: Judge Andrew is last seen going to a hiking path near his home without his wallet or shoes

October 8: His body is found in bushland off the trail

A family law lawyer said Judge Andrews' death highlighted how emotionally draining the field was for judges. 

'It is unforgiving and it takes its toll on most who practice in it in some way, shape or form. That on top of the suffering of families and children,' they said.

Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and Chief Justice of the Family Court Will Alstergren paid his respects to the judge's family after a body was discovered. 

'His Honour will be remembered as a fine, highly respected barrister and a diligent and determined judge who lived a life of service to others and to the law,' he said. 

'He was loved and admired by many during his long career at the bar and he made many good friendships in his short time on the bench.  

Chief Justice Alstergren said numerous judges, barristers, solicitors, associates and other court staff held him in such esteem they joined the search themselves.

But he said Judge Andrew dealt with some 'unforeseen challenges' since his appointment that he was working his way through.

'His tragic passing is a timely reminder of the extraordinary pressure on all who practice in the often highly emotive family law jurisdiction,' he said.

'This pressure can be exacerbated by appointment. 

'Whilst His Honour's transition to the bench presented saw some initial, unforeseen challenges, Guy, with the support and encouragement so freely offered by his colleagues was navigating his way through these challenges with all the determination that marked all that he did and especially marked what he did in the service of others.'

Former colleague Rebecca Lyons said Judge Andrew was a wonderful friend and mentor when she was a junior lawyer.

'Whenever I told anyone I was going to do some 'research' I would ring Guy. He always knew the answer - he had tremendous knowledge and was a great teacher,' she said.

'I won't forget those walks up Castle Hill where Guy had to stop many times for me to catch up.'

'We mourn the loss of Judge Guy Andrew... Deepest condolences to his family, friends and close colleagues. He was a good man,' Brisbane family law firm Page Provan said.

The Australian Defence Force were called in to assist in the desperate search for Judge Andrew.  

Australian Defence Force members joined Queensland Police and specialist mountain rescue teams to search for Judge Andrew (pictured on Thursday morning at Mount Coot-tha)

Pictured: Rescue teams walk through bushland on Thursday at Mount Coot-tha 

Queensland Police Service said it had pulled in 'sufficient resources for the operation'.

'Search efforts have included Polair, dive squad, police on foot and on bikes, State Emergency Services volunteers and other external agencies along with a large community effort,' a QPS statement said.  

Police on Tuesday used drones, boats and all-terrain vehicles to search for Judge Andrew, who went missing amid concerns about his conduct in court.  

Judge Andrew dealt with six family court matters in the Brisbane Federal Circuit Court on Friday, two days before he went missing. 

Last month, two lawyers complained about Judge Andrew's behaviour, prompting him to receive counselling and mentoring.

In September's judgement, the full bench found Judge Andrew had shown 'apprehended bias and abused his power' when presiding over a family law case.

A three-judge bench ruled there was 'no basis' for Judge Andrew's 'cruel, insulting, humiliating and rude' comments. 

Lawyers representing the father in the case said Judge Andrew's conduct denied him a fair trial. 

Judge Andrew was appointed as the sole Federal Circuit Court judge in Townsville in March last year. 

He is survived by his wife Nicole and daughters Bridget and Morgan. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Queensland Police Service said it has pulled in 'sufficient resources for the operation.' Pictured: Rescue teams on Thursday at Mount Coot-tha