Date set for State Coroner findings on Daniel Morcombe

The parents of Daniel Morcombe’s parents are ‘looking forward’ to the State Coroner delivering his findings into the disappearance and murder of their son – 16 years after the teenager disappeared from the Sunshine Coast.

THE State Coroner will deliver his findings into the disappearance and murder of Daniel Morcombe next month — 16 years after the teenager disappeared from the Sunshine Coast.

The findings will be delivered on April 5 following a long-running inquest that began in 2010.

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The hearing was initially stalled while police embarked on an elaborate – and ultimately successful – covert operation.

18.3.04 copypic/Wilson undated pic of Daniel Morcombe of Palmwoods. Daniel now 13 went missing while waiting for a bus Dec 07 2003 at the Kiel Mountain overpass bridge Woombye - missing persons child qld Picture: Wilson John

Pictures: Supplied

The inquest resumed again following the trial and conviction of serial child sex offender Brett Peter Cowan.

Cowan is now serving a life sentence for the murder and abduction of the 13-year-old schoolboy.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe have welcomed the announcement by the Coroner that he will hand down his findings on April 5.

Mr Morcombe told The Courier-Mail the final part of the inquest had been about finding ways to improve the system and investigative process in cases like Daniel’s.

In 2 weeks the State Coroner will hand down his findings into Daniel's inquest. We welcome that as a chance for our family to move on. @BruceMorcombe

— Denise Morcombe (@DeniseMorcombe) March 22, 2019

“We hope that the findings will give anyone who walks in our footsteps an easier path,” he said.

“There have already been a number of changes introduced over the past 15 years, but the Coroner might have some more suggestions that could help.”

Mr Morcombe said in cases like Daniel’s, considered the biggest investigation in Queensland history, ensuring a thorough review process and checks and balances was paramount.

He said this was the area that fell down during the search for Daniel’s killer as his murderer had been on the radar earlier, but more resources had gone into pursuing other persons of interest.

“We are very much looking forward to the handing down of the findings and putting this chapter of our lives behind us.”

Bruce and Denise Morcombe, parents of murdered child Daniel. Picture: Matt Thompson

There is much to be done to make sure children and young people do not experience abuse in our institutions (or anywhere else). We are looking forward to seeing the recommendations of the Royal Commission creating safer environments for children to learn, play or worship in.

— Daniel Morcombe Foundation (@DanielMorcombe) March 21, 2019