Theo Hayez inquest: Backpacker’s family braces for emotional week

Steps police took while investigating the disappearance of a young man at Byron Bay will be in focus during the second week of a coronial inquest.

Theo Hayez's father and godfather, Laurent Hayez and Jean-Philippe Pector, at the end of the first week of the inquest on the Belgian backpacker's disappearance. Picture: Javier Encalada

The family of missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez are preparing for a tough second week of evidence into the young man’s disappearance.

Theo, aged 18 at the time, was last seen leaving Cheeky Monkey’s bar on Jonson Street in Byron Bay just after 11pm on May 31, 2019.

An extensive search effort followed and while his cap was found in bushland near Cape Byron and Google data has shed light on his movements after he left the bar, there has been no further trace of Theo.

An inquest into his disappearance began in Byron Bay on Monday last week.

Theo’s godfather, Jean-Philippe Pector, said the family knew next week would be a hard one for them.

“The second week will probably be much tougher, we will get into the police investigation and that’s the part we are impatient to look into because it’s the part where we know we would have liked to have a more broader line of investigation instead of just one theory,” he said.

Theo Hayez's father and godfather, Laurent Hayez and Jean-Philippe Pector, at the end of the first week of the inquest on the Belgian backpacker's disappearance. Picture: Javier Encalada

Mr Pector said the first week was tough for the family, with Theo’s dad Laurent Hayez leaving court abruptly at one point during proceedings.

He said it evidence about a decision to eject Theo from Cheeky Monkey’s on the night he disappeared was particularly confronting.

“It’s really tough to hear,” he said.

He said that was where most of the frustration and emotion came from.

“The main thing we would like to communicate is that we are aware of the amazing work that the team assisting the coroner are doing,” he said.

“That’s really comforting.

He thanked all the witnesses, especially those who got up early in the morning or stayed up late at night to give their input remotely from overseas.

“We could see that some of them took their time to reflect on their time here and be really helpful,” Mr Pector said.

He said Theo’s family had come to terms with the fact the two-week ordeal would not bring a final answer to the whereabouts of the young man.

“It’s really tough and emotional at some points and it’s not an easy process but at the end of those two weeks we think we will be a bit more aware of what to expect,” he said.

The inquest will continue in Byron Bay on Monday.