A forensic search for William Tyrrell in and around Kendall in late 2021 revealed animal bones, but there was no trace of the three-year-old, an inquest heard.

William’s disappearance from his adoptive grandmother’s home in Kendall, on the NSW mid-north coast, in September 2014 is being investigated at the NSW Coroner’s Court .

The long-running inquest before Deputy Coroner Harriet Grahame has resumed and is expected to conclude after a final round of hearings.

The investigation is examining a police theory that William died in an accidental fall and that his adoptive mother disposed of his body in nearby bushland.

This is an allegation that has been persistently and vehemently denied by the adoptive mother.

Tuesday’s inquest is expected to hear from Dr Jennifer Menzies, an expert on skeletal remains, and Senior Constable Jost Preis, who will give evidence about the search.

RESEARCH

The police theory prompted a new forensic search around Kendall, including the intersection of Batar Creek Rd and Cobb and Co Rd, in late 2021.

William Tyrrell disappeared in September 2014

“It is indisputable now that William Tyrrell has not been found,” solicitor assisting Gerard Craddock told the court on Monday.

“There is no doubt that no forensic evidence has been found at 48 Benaroon Drive or anywhere else that could provide a clue to William’s disappearance.”

Police and volunteers sifted through fallen leaves and dirt by hand during the search, as well as draining creeks and searching for any signs of William with cadaver dogs.

Water science expert Professor Jon Olley was engaged by NSW Police as a consultant during the searches, having also been involved in the search for Daniel Morcombe and other cases of high-profile missing persons.

He told the court the search had been “extremely thorough”.

Professor Olley told the court that a polyester suit similar to the Spider-Man outfit William wore on the day he disappeared would have taken centuries to degrade.

“The estimate is several hundred years,” Professor Olley said.

The court heard no trace of William was ever found, but the search uncovered animal bones, including kangaroo limbs.

The court heard that Professor Olley also emailed a wildlife expert at the Department of Primary Industries to ask if any bones could have been taken by wild pigs and dogs.

He said the expert responded “absolutely”.

Professor Olley said if William had been thrown into a stream around the search area his body would have been caught in one of the dams.

ACCIDENTAL FALL

The court heard police believed William died in an accidental fall and his foster mother dumped his body in nearby bushland on the corner of Batar Creek Rd and Cobb and Co Rd.

William’s adoptive mother and father (pictured) have denied any wrongdoing

Mr Craddock SC told the court that, according to the police theory, the foster mother then returned to her mother’s home in Benaroon Drive and telephoned triple-0.

“Police say (the foster mother) must have quickly realized that if Williams’ accidental death was discovered, she stood to lose (another foster child in her care),” he said.

He said police further speculated that the foster mother “drove her mother’s car to Batar Creek Road and placed William’s body somewhere in the undergrowth.”

The court was told the inquest would hear evidence from a truck driver who was driving near Batar Creek Rd and Cobb and Co Rd on September 12, 2014.

The adoptive mother’s testimony to the NSW Crime Commission will also be presented to the court.

Mr Craddock also noted that police theories could be false.

“A coroner cannot act on the express belief of a police investigator.”

The hearing continues.