Inquest into cold case hears man who hid teenager's body also lied to police

A man who admits he buried the body of teenage girl Rebecca Richardson, last seen alive more than 27 years ago, says he also lied to police.

Jody Martin Stephen Van Der Vegt today faced questioning at a coronial inquest into the death of Rebecca, who disappeared aged 15 after attending a fair in Gin Gin on November 28, 1998.

No-one has ever been held responsible for her death.

Mr Van Der Vegt was charged with murder in 2001, but the charge was discontinued and he pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and sentenced to eight years' imprisonment.

The court heard he was a friend of Rebecca's father before he died in October 1998, a month before the teenager's disappearance.

The inquest aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rebecca's death and whether the actions of Mr Van Der Vegt caused or contributed to her death or the disposal of her remains.

Under questioning today, Mr Van Der Vegt said a man he knew as "Triple M" had killed Rebecca.

"I was scared for my life … I ran away."

Mr Van Der Vegt, who is currently in prison on drug offences, said he went back the next day to burn and hide Rebecca's body at a local dump.

When questioned by coroner Donald MacKenzie, Mr Van Der Vegt accepted he was one of the last people to see Rebecca alive.

He also accepted he went to some lengths to conceal her body, and he had told several lies both in writing to police and in pretending to search for her after she had died.

Her remains have never been found, but Mr Van Der Vegt has previously identified where he put her body.

A search was later made at a waste facility with cadaver dogs, but it was unsuccessful.

Coroner MacKenzie said it was "always going to be a lottery" on what was going to be achieved at the first day of the inquest, and he did not believe Mr Van Der Vegt was being truthful.

'I want my sister back'

Jessica Richardson travelled from Melbourne to attend the inquest and addressed the court with a statement on behalf of those who loved Rebecca.

"The fear and terror Rebecca must have felt in those last moments haunts and traumatises me always,"

she said.

"She had the potential to have a great, long life full of joy.

"Rebecca was robbed of that … it is not OK, it will never be OK, and I want my sister back."

Ms Richardson said her older sister had been her best friend and protector, and that losing her had decimated and shattered "every aspect" of her life.

"I looked up to her for her strength, her kindness and the way she carried herself … she most definitely helped shape the person I am."

Coroner MacKenzie acknowledged Ms Richardson, who was only 14 years old at the time of her sister's death.

"The court acknowledges your loss, the loss of Rebecca and the reprehensible treatment you've had to suffer in being unable to recover her body,"

he said.

The inquest has been adjourned so further investigations can be carried out.