Ric Blum denies swindling multiple women while being questioned during Marion Barter inquest in Lismore

A convicted conman has told an inquest into the disappearance and presumed death of Gold Coast teacher Marion Barter that claims against him are “all lies”.

Marion Barter vanished at age 51.

A convicted conman and key figure in the inquest into the disappearance and presumed death of Gold Coast teacher Marion Barter says claims he swindled multiple women are “all lies”.

Ballina man Ric Blum, 83, has been questioned in the ongoing Lismore probe into 51-year-old Ms Barter’s disappearance from Southport, Queensland almost 26 years ago in 1997.

The inquest has heard Mr Blum admitted to police he had a relationship with Ms Barter, but he has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Marion Barter, aged 51, was last seen at a bus depot on Scarborough St, near Railway St, at Southport on Sunday, June 22, 1997.

Mr Blum arrived under guard with his face covered as he was escorted into Lismore Local Court on Thursday.

He appeared to struggle to hear questions, but denied claims put forward by Andree Flamme, Ghislaine Dubouis-Danlois, Janet Oldenberg, Ginette Gaffney-Bowen and a woman known as ‘Charlotte’.

Ric Blum outside court during a previous appearance. Picture: Tessa Flemming

Mr Blum stuttered profusely as he responded to allegations brought against him by women who claimed he took them for a ride.

He expressed frustration when senior counsel assisting the Coroner Adam Casselden pressed him to clarify details of his interactions with the women.

“What do you want me to say?” Mr Blum said.

Mr Casselden pressed whether Mr Blum was saying multiple women were making false claims.

Mr Blum told the inquest he thought people made up their mind about him after reading too much of the media and hearing podcasts.

But Mr Casselden put to Mr Blum there were no podcasts concerning Ms Barter’s case when the women complained to police.

Mr Blum replied: “I accept that.”

Mr Casselden told the inquest: “I think you are lying.”.

Blum coughed throughout and appeared to find it difficult to collect his thoughts to reply.

His answers were often incoherent, forcing Mr Casselden simplify questions to simple yes or no answers.

Mr Blum denied persuading Ms Barter to withdraw funds or deceiving her for financial advantage.

“I never had a penny of Marion’s,” he told the inquest.

Mr Blum said he did not lie when he claimed Ms Barter said she wanted to separate from her family.

He again denied having anything to do with Ms Barter’s disappearance or presumed death.

“I myself believe she’s still alive – that’s what I believe,” he said.

“But I don’t know anything about where she is.”

The inquest continues.