Matthew Leveson’s parents hit out at immunity deal given to Michael Atkins

MATTHEW Leveson’s father said he had one question for the jury who acquitted his son’s former lover of murder or manslaughter.

MATTHEW Leveson’s father said he had one question for the jury who acquitted his son’s former lover of murder or manslaughter.

“What the hell are you thinking?” Mark ­Leveson said.

Police yesterday confirmed they believe the bones found in an isolated bush grave belong to Matthew.

Faye and Mark Leveson return to the search site yesterday.

Mark and Faye Leveson with Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin (right) at the site where bones were found. Picture: AAP/Dean Lewins

Matt Leveson’s parents are disgusted by the immunity deal given to Michael Atkins.

Michael Atkins, 54, was found not guilty in 2009 of involvement in the 20-year-old’s death, who disappeared in September 2007 after leaving Sydney’s ARQ nightclub with his lover.

But after being granted immunity in a legal first at the recent inquest into Matthew’s death, Atkins led police to the area in the Royal National Park where the bones were found on Wednesday.

Matt Leveson went missing in 2007.

Matt’s former partner Michael Atkins pictured last year.

The missing man’s parents, Mark and Faye, who had never given up hope of finding their son’s remains, yesterday morning marked the burial site with two bouquets of flowers as police found further bones and other “items of interest” at the area off McKell Avenue, Waterfall.

The discovery was bittersweet for the family, who will get to take their son home to bury him after agreeing to the deal to grant Atkins immunity in return for the truth. However, Faye Leveson slammed the justice system as flawed.

A forensics officer sifts through the soil at the Royal National Park.

Police have been searching the area since November 2016.

Human bones were discovered at the site on Wednesday night.

“They backed us into a corner, into making a decision to bring our son home but for the killer to walk free,” she said yesterday, choking back tears. “The victims get nothing, we can’t appeal against that (2009) acquittal, we get nothing. Our laws have got to change, the victims have got to have a voice.”

Atkins, who had been living with Matthew in Cronulla, has since moved to Brisbane where the publicity over the inquest forced him to go into hiding.

Mark Leveson said the discovery of the remains had not brought closure for the family.

“We’re looking for justice, for resolution but not closure,” he said.

2007

September 23

CCTV footage shows Matthew Leveson, 20, and boyfriend Michael Atkins, 45, leaving Darlinghurst’s ARQ nightclub in the early hours of the morning.

September 25

Leveson reported missing after failing to turn up to the call centre where he worked.

September 27

Leveson’s car is found at a Sutherland reserve with a Bunnings receipt found in the boot for the purchase of a mattock and gaffer tape. Police later tell Atkins he was captured at a Bunnings store buying the items, which he denies.

2008

January 29

Leveson’s parents, Mark and Faye Leveson visit Atkins’ unit wearing a police listening device. He admits lying about going to Bunnings and tells the Levesons the mattock was bought to plant zucchinis.

August 5

Atkins charged with murder.

2009

August 29

Atkins’ trial begins.

October 20

Atkins acquitted of murder and manslaughter.

2015

January 15

State Coroner resumes the inquest into Leveson’s death.

2016

May 20

NSW Deputy State Coroner compels Atkins to give evidence at the inquest. Atkins’ lawyers unsuccessfully challenge the legality of the inquest’s reopening.

October 31

Atkins gives evidence, after being granted a certificate under section 61 of the NSW Coroner’s Act, effectively granting him immunity from prosecution.

November 10

Atkins agrees to lead police to where Leveson’s body is buried.

November 17

Search concludes with no bones found.