The polie, armed with a warrant for Butler's arrest over his alleged involvement in a fuel tanker crash at Albion Park Rail on May 18 that killed Daniel Merrett, had visited most of his social circle, meaning a friendly pillow was off the cards.

Butler's alleged movements from the early hours of May 18 to his arrest on May 30 were revealed for the first time in Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday during a bail application for his one-time girlfriend Maddison Day, one of three people accused of helping him avoid capture.

Police will allege Butler stole a black Nissan Navara ute from one of Day's friends on the afternoon of May 20, while she organised a room for him at the secluded Jamberoo Resort that night.

Her actions came just hours after detectives attended her Haywards Bay home, told her of the charge against Butler and warned her against helping him.

Meanwhile, taps on phones belonging to Butler and Day revealed Butler flew into a rage when he found out the Navara's owner had reported the theft to police.

He allegedly had Day make the man sign a letter saying he'd sold the ute to Butler. Butler and co-accused, Holly Green, fled to Victoria on the afternoon of May 21. It's unclear when the pair returned to the Illawarra. Butler was arrested on May 30. Day, who was arrested on July 9, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.

In an bail application, defence lawyer Tony Williamson argued the case against Day was weak, hinging on whether prosecutors could first prove Butler guilty of murder, then prove Day knew Butler had committed murder when she helped him.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Ben Bragger opposed Day's release. "It's quite clear on the facts that the accused has offered material support to Butler," he said. "She knew he was wanted and gone out of her way to assist him ... She's put the interests of Butler ahead of the community."

Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail, noting Day had breaches of bail on her record.