Hi There,

Sorry to disappoint you but the Alfred who married Bridget Slattery, was born to a John & Ellen Jude in 1874. This can't possibly be your Alfred.
Did Alfred come over here by himself or with his Family etc (Mum & Dad)? Are you sure he came to Australia? There was an Alfred Boatwright in Tasmania, born in Hassingham, Norfolk, England in 1846 to a William & Sarah BOATWRIGHT.

Your Alfred might even have changed his name if he was running away as you say...