Theo Hayez inquest: JP Pector, ‘Sander’ Stadegaard gives evidence

Jean-Philippe Pector was overcome with emotion when he recalled Theo’s time with him in Australia and being asked to be his godfather.

The godfather of missing Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez has told a coronial inquest of an organised young man who was “wonderful” to be around.

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 is being held in Byron Bay across two weeks.

Missing Belgium backpacker Theo Hayez was last seen in Byron Bay on May 31, 2019.

Jean-Philippe Pector, originally from Belgium and also known as J, was overcome with emotion when he recalled being asked to be Theo’s godfather, or “parrain” in French.

He said this was an “acknowledgment of deep friendship and trust” he had with Theo’s father, Laurent Hayez.

“I was in Australia when Laurent (Theo’s father) called me,” Mr Pector said.

“I remember it was such wonderful news.”

The inquest heard Theo spent time staying with Mr Hayez and his wife in Victoria before he continued on his travels.

He said Theo was an organised person.

This was unlike many backpackers who “take it as it comes and change their plans last-minute”, he said.

“Theo was not like that,” he said.

“He took time to meet people and find out if they had shared interests before going with them and spending a bit of time with them.”

Jean-Philippe Pector, the godfather of Theo Hayez, outside Byron Bay Court House on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Picture: Liana Boss

He said Theo was “a really clever young man” who planned ahead.

Mr Pector spoke highly of his godson as a “true and genuine” young man.

“It was such a pleasure to be with him,” he said.

“Once there was a connection with someone, there would be no barrier.

“He’s a really true person and such a wonderful person to be with.”

Mr Pector expressed difficulty coming to terms with the fact the huge efforts of the Byron Bay community in seeking answers about Theo’s disappearance had not led them to any clear answers.

Theo Hayez' father Laurent Hayez (centre) and other loved ones outside court for the inquest into the Belgian backpacker's disappearance in Byron Bay. Picture: Liana Boss

But he said their efforts had made an immense difference to Theo’s loved ones.

“Without them, I don't think we would have been able to cope,” Mr Pector said.

“They reached out in an immense way.

“It’s probably not possible to describe how much they have done.”

Two and a half years on, he said that core group of community members was still supporting the family.

“That immense movement of humanity and support and love, it’s incredible,” Mr Pector said.

Theo Hayez' loved ones outside court for the inquest into the Belgian backpacker's disappearance in Byron Bay. Picture: Liana Boss

Fellow backpackers give evidence

Dutch man Alexander Stadegaard, known as “Sander” was the first of Theo’s fellow backpackers to give evidence to the inquest.

Appearing by video link from his home country, Mr Stadegaard recalled meeting Theo in a barbecue area at the Wake Up hostel the evening of May 31, 2019.

Theo was staying at that hostel but Mr Stadegaard was staying elsewhere in Byron.

He told the inquest he knew another backpacker, Belgian man Antoine Van Laetham, who was staying at Wake Up.

Together with some young women, the three men went to Cheeky Monkey’s together.

Although Theo was ejected from that bar about 11pm due to security’s concerns he was intoxicated or approaching intoxication, Mr Stadegaard said he couldn’t recall any sign Theo was drunk.

Theo Hayez' father Laurent Hayez (centre) and other loved ones outside court for the inquest into the Belgian backpacker's disappearance in Byron Bay. Picture: Liana Boss

He told the inquest he and Theo discussed European politics while they sat in a booth drinking beer.

“He explained to me about how Belgian politics works and we talked about the European Union,” he said.

When asked whether Theo had any trouble speaking or pronouncing words in English, Mr Stadegaard replied: “not that I remember”.

“I don't have a memory that he was drunk at all,” he said.

“I don't think he was drunk.”

“My last memory with Theo is actually sitting around the table.”

Mr Stadegaard said he left Cheeky Monkey’s between 10 and 11pm, after Theo was separated from their group.

About a week later, Mr Stadegaard was on Fraser Island when he received a call from Mr Van Laetham saying Theo was missing.