Coronial inquest over Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez to be held in Byron

An inquest into the suspected death of Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez will be held in Byron Bay, for the sake of investigators and family.

An inquest into the suspected death of Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez will be held in Byron Bay to allow NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan to access key locations, for family to attend and to involve the local community.

Kirsten Edwards, counsel assisting Ms O’Sullivan, on Friday apologised “to everyone involved in this inquest especially those who love Theo” for a delay in it commencing.

Addressing a preliminary directions hearing, Ms Edwards said the two-week inquest would not start until November 29 next year.

This was partly due to the ­pandemic making it “very difficult to obtain hearing dates”, particularly in Byron Bay where Mr Hayez vanished on the night of May 31 last year.

“The inquest has to be held in Byron Bay because the location is so significant,” Ms Edwards said.

“The court must access and understand the geographical features and key locations involved in the disappearance.

“It’s also very important to those assisting you that Theo’s family are able to attend from ­Europe if it’s at all possible ... (and) that this particular inquest has generated significant interest in the local community.”

Byron residents had “an active involvement in the ongoing search for Theo”, she said, adding: “It is hoped that by continuing the awareness and profile of this inquest in Byron Bay, members of the public will continue to come forward with any information they consider to be relevant.”

Ms Edwards also outlined, for the first time, investigations carried out to date into the disappearance of the 18-year-old.
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The Australian’s investigative podcast The Lighthouse revealed Mr Hayez’s family tracked his movements via his smartphone after hacking into his Google account.

After leaving Cheeky Monkey’s bar, he appeared to walk through suburban streets and then bushland to Cosy Corner on Tallow Beach, before the trail went cold.

Mr Hayez’s suspected death was formally reported to a Byron Bay coroner on September 5 last year, Ms Edwards said. Ms O’Sullivan had since taken over the case and “is directing the police investigations that continue”.

NSW police had submitted a two-volume brief of evidence, evaluated by the coroner’s team and “the foundation for further investigations”, she said.

“Belgium authorities conducted their own very thorough investigation and that investigation continues,” Ms Edwards said.

“Your assisting team has been in contact with the Belgium authorities and it is also the case that the two police forces continue to have a liaison in this matter.”

The coroner’s team had interviewed about 30 witnesses. Draft statements had been taken from about 12 backpackers staying with Mr Hayez or in the Byron area.