Tobias Moran: Inquest evidence sought, bail continued

The murder case of German backpacker Simone Strobel has been pushed back to November while police await additional evidence. See the latest from Lismore court.

Police are still compiling evidence in the case of a man accused of murdering his then-girlfriend in Lismore in a cold case that spanned 15 years.

Tobias Friedrich Moran, 42, was mentioned in Lismore Local Court on Wednesday, September 28, on charges of murder, and perverting the course of justice.

Tobias Suckfuell, onetime boyfriend of Simone Strobel. Photo Jacklyn Wagner / The Northern Star

Simone Strobel, 25, was last seen at the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park, on NSW’s North Coast, on February 11, 2005 after a night out with her boyfriend Tobias Moran and friends.

The German backpacker’s body was found six days later less than 100 metres away, hidden under palm fronds at a sportsground.

German school teacher Simone Strobel.

Police investigations led to Moran’s arrest at his Perth home, and subsequent extradition to Sydney.

Moran, who changed his surname from Suckfuell, has always denied any involvement in Ms Strobel’s death.

Following a coronial inquest in 2007, then-State Coroner Paul McMahon ruled there was insufficient evidence to lay any charges.

Now, before Lismore Local Court, the matter has been adjourned until November 9 while a brief of evidence from that same inquest is served.

Tobias Suckfuell (formerly Tobias Moran), pictured with his wife Samantha Moran.

Moran was excused from attending on Wednesday, and he will be excused from appearing in court on November 9 if legally represented.

Moran’s bail that was granted on August 4 will continue, with three family members putting up $250,000 between them which they agree to forfeit to the court if Moran breaches his bail.