Overview
- Bruce Preston confirmed in court he had the keys to Tim Thomson’s red BMW motorcycle within 24 hours of the trio’s last sighting on October 5, 1978, and that he was riding it.
- Counsel cited taxi records suggesting Preston left home the next morning to collect the bike, while noting his father and stepmother told police he took their Toyota LandCruiser that night, a claim he denied or could not recall.
- On Tuesday Preston admitted he lied to police about where he found the motorcycle, received indemnity for his testimony, and was warned by the coroner that perjury charges remain possible.
- Neighbour Merril Anderson told the inquest she saw a red BMW in the Preston shed during the original investigation and believed Arthur Preston was running interference as police searched for the bike.
- Ian Preston testified about family gun use and recounted an allegation that his late father said of Bruce, “The little bastard done it,” though he denied first-hand knowledge of the remark and Preston rejected any bikie gang ties.