Former William Tyrrell lead detective Gary Jubelin has defended his investigation

Gary Jubelin, who was the long-time lead detective in the William Tyrrell case, says he is “disappointed” at criticism from Police Commissioner Mick Fuller.

The former lead detective in the William Tyrrell case has hit back at criticism from the current NSW Police commissioner that the previous investigation was “wasted time” and left in a “mess”.

Gary Jubelin was the face of the search for William for more than four years from early 2015 through until 2019 when he was stood down as the head of Strike Force Rosann, just months before leaving the force.

Since then the investigation has been headed by Detective Chief Inspector David Laidlaw who is overseeing the current search for William’s remains at Kendall, on the NSW north coast, off the back of “new evidence” about his 2014 disappearance.

Former NSW Police Detective Gary Jubelin led the investigation into the disappearance of William Tyrrell. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

But it was the old investigation that came under criticism by Commissioner Mick Fuller on 2GB on Tuesday morning when he said the previous investigation - led by Jubelin - “looked at some persons of interest that were clearly not” and that the current homicide team “inherited what was a bit of a mess”.

When asked about his reaction to the comments, Jubelin said he stood by all the decisions he made when in charge of the search for William - and added they were documented and signed off on by senior officers.

“I can’t comment on the current ongoing investigation, but like everyone else I hope police find out what happened to William,” Mr Jubelin told The Daily Telegraph.

“Obviously, I am disappointed by Commissioner Fuller’s public criticism of the investigation the current investigative team inherited. I am sure it has also disappointed the numerous hardworking detectives and analysts who worked on the case.

“I led the investigation for four years, taking it over five months after William disappeared. I own and take full responsibility for all operational decisions and investigative strategies implemented whilst under my command and am prepared to justify those decisions in any forum.”

Mr Jubelin spent 34 years in the NSW Police, before leaving at the rank of Detective Chief Inspector.

His time since departing from the police has included a criminal conviction for illegally recording four conversations he had with one-time person of interest Paul Savage in 2017 and 2018.

The once glamour detective of the force said while running the investigation into what happened to William Tyrrell he documented his tactics and had reports on the search for the boy in the Spider Man suit checked and signed off on monthly.

Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the Tyrrell investigators looked at people who “clearly” weren’t involved. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

“In major crime investigations such as these the Officer in Charge writes a monthly report detailing every step taken in the investigation, including identifying suspects and strategies,” Mr Jubelin said.

“These reports are passed up the chain of command and signed off at Assistant Commissioner level. At no time was there any criticism about the direction of the investigation whilst I was leading it. These reports are retained by NSW Police.

“It is disappointing now three years down the track the Commissioner felt the need to criticise the investigation, an investigation he was ultimately responsible for being the Commissioner of Police.

“Leadership is about taking responsibility. I take responsibility the way I led Strike Force Rosann. I hope those above me are prepared to do the same.”