Salt Creek sex predator, kidnapper Roman Heinze given two-month deadline to analyse his 4WD, then it will finally be destroyed

One of the most infamous vehicles in SA’s criminal history will be destroyed – regardless of whether its sex-obsessed, kidnapping driver has finished sifting through it for appeal “evidence”.

The 4WD used to kidnap and run down backpackers at Salt Creek will be destroyed in April, a court says – even if its sex-obsessed, predatory driver has not finished sifting through it for appeal “evidence”.

On Monday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court gave kidnapper Roman Heinze two months to study and photograph his weapon of choice ahead of a purported High Court appeal.

That deadline was set over the objections of prosecutors and SA Police, who argued the 4WD has begun “disintegrating” and should be immediately crushed.

Magistrate Michael Fotheringham warned Heinze – who has already had a mechanic measure specific parts of the Nissan Patrol – he would be given no further time.

“This has been delayed on a number of occasions … it’s getting long in the tooth and needs to be finalised,” he said.

Brazilian backpacker Beatriz was one of two people kidnapped by Roman Heinze and taken to Salt Creek in February 2016.

Heinze, 64, is serving a 17-year minimum term for violent sexual offending including the 2016 assault and kidnapping of two backpackers at Salt Creek.

The duo were among 14 foreigners he had approached online looking to satisfy his perverted sexual desires.

In October, The Advertiser revealed Heinze sought to block police from destroying the 4WD, which has been in their custody since 2016, so he could file a High Court appeal.

He claims “specific measurements” of the vehicle, including its tyres and the position of its wind deflector, could provide evidence to overturn his convictions.

On Monday, via video link with prison, Heinze told the court his chosen mechanic had examined the 4WD in December without success.

One of dozens of photos of the 4WD tendered as evidence during Heinze’s trial.

“He didn’t have my specific instructions, instead SA Police told him what to take photos of,” he said.

“The photos need to be taken to my exact specifications … after that, if everything comes out good and I get the proper measurements, police can destroy the car.”

Brigid Symes, for police and prosecutors, said Heinze had sent his “specifications” to her clients, and they conveyed them to the mechanic.

“The tyres have just disintegrated over the years, they’re not in a position to be pumped up,” she said.

“We have facilitated and assisted this ‘project’ in good faith, and we are not prepared to accept any further demands.

“We press for an order to destroy the vehicle.”

Mr Fotheringham said he would give Heinze – and his mechanic – one final chance to obtain the measurements sort, and adjourned the hearing until April.