Australia Australia - Marion Barter, 51, missing after trip to UK, Jun 1997 #5

[TootsieFootsie]

I doubt that he had any connection to the real Fernand Remakel.

None of the proceedings seemed to imply that.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

I'm not sure how much of the inquest we're allowed to talk about, or if there are any persons of interest we can discuss.

 

[Belleandsebastian]

Unbelievable. At least Sally should find out some answers. It seems Marion could have been the victim of a scammer/con-artist, as many people thought.

 

[KiwiNZ]

If I heard correctly, said he had a drivers license with name Fernand Remakel. He must have some connection to Lux FR, given he used same first/last name & age. Not implicating FR, but suggesting RB perhaps knew FR, or stole his identity etc.

Rick Blun placed the ad in 1994 under the name MF Remakel, he also applied for a drivers license under the name - Fernand Napoli's(?) Remakel

He claims he met Marion in a hotel lobby in Switzerland the 1960's and had a fleeting relationship

He also claims Marion placed an ad in a paper years later, and they met up again.

Got to have dinner, will go back to it later lol

 

[Garyb]

Ok so is this the FR that sally tracked down in Luxembourg? Same guy?? This is HUGE.

No different guy.

 

[sunnynz]

TLV Facebook page says seven news Australia 6pm broadcast (around an hour from now if it’s 7pm NSW time) will have a summary. I’ll look forward to that since I’m quite confused ha… And they said they’re busily trying to pull together a podcast episode too

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Can't wait for the podcast.

 

[KiwiNZ]

My understanding -

Willy W(?) as he called himself at the time - He claims he met Marion in Switzerland in the late 1960's when she was married to JW

a Belgium national, he moved to Australia in the late 1960's

He had a brief relationship with Marion at that time (must have followed her to Aus from Switzerland ? )

He changed his name to - RB - and admits he placed the ad in 1994 under the name MF R, he also applied for a Queensland drivers license under the name - FNR (well before Marion disappeared )

He also claims Marion placed an ad in a local paper in 1995 or 1996, and he didn't know it was her, but they met up again (was called RB at this stage) and had another relationship.

He admitted going to Southport school with her to collect books before she resigned, he also said he stored boxes for Marion and that they were delivered to his residence by the removal company.

He said a week later Marion and a tall man in a uniform ( white with gold markings on the sleeve) called to collect the boxes and advises she was travelling to Europe with this man.

Travelled to Japan, for Belgium - 17 June 1997 - returned 31 July 1997 as RLW (deed poll change)

Photographer and coin collector

Extensive traveler

Sounds like an extensive "relationship" over many years between Marion and this man. I would not be surprised if Sally knows him or knows of him

 

[Lord Peter Flimsy]

Rick Blun placed the ad in 1994 under the name MF Remakel, he also applied for a drivers license under the name - Fernand Napoli's(?) Remakel

He claims he met Marion in a hotel lobby in Switzerland the 1960's and had a fleeting relationship

He also claims Marion placed an ad in a paper years later, and they met up again.

Got to have dinner, will go back to it later lol

We know Marion only came to Europe once in the 60s just after she married Johnny Warren and he came over to try and play for Stockport County and do a coaching course. They were only here from the 2 Sept 1968 to 2 Feb 1969. I have been trying to find out what Marion & Johnny were up to from early Jan 69 (when he left Stockport) to the time they returned to Australia. Went to Switzerland?

 

[sunnynz]

My understanding -

Willy Wothers(?) as he called himself at the time - He claims he met Marion in Switzerland in the late 1960's when she was married to JW

a Belgium national, he moved to Australia in the late 1960's

He had a brief relationship with Marion at that time (must have followed her to Aus from Switzerland ? )

He changed his name to - Rick Blum - and admits he placed the ad in 1994 under the name MF Remakel, he also applied for a Queensland drivers license under the name - Fernand Napoli's(?) Remakel (well before Marion disappeared )

He also claims Marion placed an ad in a local paper in 1995 or 1996, and he didn't know it was her, but they met up again (was called Rick Blum at this stage) and had another relationship.

He admitted going to Southport school with her to collect books before she resigned, he also said he stored boxes for Marion and that they were delivered to his residence by the removal company.

He said a week later Marion and a tall man in a uniform ( white with gold markings on the sleeve) called to collect the boxes and advises she was travelling to Europe with this man.

Travelled to Japan, for Belgium - 17 June 1997 - returned 31 July 1997 as Richard lloyd Westberry (deed poll change)

Photographer and coin collector

Extensive traveler

Sounds like an extensive "relationship" over many years between Marion and this man. I would not be surprised if Sally knows him or knows of him

Thanks for the summary!

I personally am not buying this story of the guy in the white uniform - my opinion only but seems too convenient given the pilot chat on the podcast.

So Mr Wothers/Blum/Remakel could be the mystery man in the car at the petrol station maybe if he was hanging out with Marion at that time by his own admission?

The timings of this guy’s travel in and out of Australia are just too closely aligned to Marion’s in my opinion for him not to have had something to do with her overseas travel - not to mention the glaringly obvious part of her changing her name to his last name!

 

[Itsapuzzle]

I'm not sure how much of the inquest we're allowed to talk about, or if there are any persons of interest we can discuss.

I think we can discuss it as it's a public record now - the rules are here in the guidelines re what defines Content. Then we've got Websleuths guidelines, don't think we can put names up, maybe just initials, maybe someone else can enlighten a bit more though.

 

[sunnynz]

Are we sure of the spelling of Westberry? Could it be Westbury?

 

[KiwiNZ]

Thanks for the summary!

I personally am not buying this story of the guy in the white uniform - my opinion only but seems too convenient given the pilot chat on the podcast.

Agree I think someone's been following the podcast or websleuths !!!!

Glad the real Mr FR has been cleared, shameful treatment of him imo.

 

[caitlincurious]

Hi all

I wrote a longer summary of the FR/RB bit with names shortened


Mr. R.B.

Belgian national moved to Australia late 1960s

Lived in a number of states throughout Australia since that time

Has informed police he placed the ad in 1994 under the Name MFR

Purpose: French speaking friend

Historical Qld driving records indicate he obtained a drivers license under FNR well before Marion disappeared

Relevant because prior to Marion’s disappearance she changed her name including Remakel

Mr B. has admitted he knew Marion Barter

Informed police that in the mid 1960s he was in Switzerland and met Marion Warren in a hotel lobby.

They had a fleeting relationship at that time.

Known as Willy ___? At that time

Mr B. said he had a 2nd relationship with Marion in 1995 or 1996 when he answered a personal ad in a newspaper (maybe Gold coast bulletin). Answered under the name of Rick. He did not know it was posted by Marion. Met up for a meal, went back to her house in Southport. 3 or 4 nights with Marion at that time.

Visited SS with Marion after she had resigned to collect books.

After Marion moved out of her Southport house she asked to store boxes at his house; he agreed; delivered to house in Wollomba near Lismore by removalists

House sold 25 April 1997; moved in with Leslie L. around 1st may 1997.

1 week after boxes delivered Marion came to collect them with a man in his 50s.

Tall, wearing a white hat, blue uniform, gold markings like bar on sleeves. Took him to be a naval officer or pilot. Marion told him that he and his man were travelling to Europe together to go on the orient express. She would live with this man and establish private school in England. Last time he ever saw her.

Mr B. Was a photographer and coin dealer. Travelling primarily to Belgium in the 1980s and 1990s.

Mr Bl. proposed to a woman Mrs O. that they travel Europe together and start a life together in 1999; she gave him the title deeds to her house and other personal documents. During the trip she stayed in England while he was in Europe; he called her to say he lost her documents
Back in Australia he returned some of the documents; but in the weeks thereafter the title deeds were stolen from her house

Mr. B. kept some of her jewellery

They had a sexual relationship (according to Mr. B). He says he didn’t have any of her documents; was bashed and robbed at Amsterdam and hospitalised. Denies later taking title deeds. Says he returned all her jewellery

Mrs B. says in mid-late 1990s she placed a Newspaper ad seeking a friend. Fred. De Hep(?????) replied (Mr B). She says she attended his house and he was looking for somewhere to say so she offered her garden studio. He offered they go into business together in coin-dealing. She gave him $30 000 for this business; the relationship ended. AVO granted in Nth Sydney 6th January 1999. Mr. Blun said he did not remember her or offering her a business proposition. Denies stealing coins from her. Doesn’t recollect the AVO; never received a copy. Denies writing a letter to local court saying he assented to the AVO.

Mr B, according to international movement records – travelled to Japan 17 June 1997 with his outgoing passenger card saying he intended to spend 30 days in Belgium. Incoming – returned 31 July 1997. “Richard Lloyd Westbury” was the name on his passport following change by Deedpoll. Parallels with the dates Marion left under Florabella Remakel – she left 5 days before him, returned 2 days after him. He said he never saw Marion returning from wherever she went. Says no contact after 2 Aug 1997. Said he wasn’t aware she was a missing person. Denies he ever received money from her.

 

[KiwiNZ]

Are we sure of the spelling of Westberry? Could it be Westbury?

your more than likely correct my spelling is shocking lol

I am going with Westbury

 

[sunnynz]

Hi all

I wrote a longer summary of the FR/RB bit with names shortened


Mr. R.B.

Belgian national moved to Australia late 1960s

Lived in a number of states throughout Australia since that time

Has informed police he placed the ad in 1994 under the Name MFR

Purpose: French speaking friend

Historical Qld driving records indicate he obtained a drivers license under FNR well before Marion disappeared

Relevant because prior to Marion’s disappearance she changed her name including Remakel

Mr B. has admitted he knew Marion Barter

Informed police that in the mid 1960s he was in Switzerland and met Marion Warren in a hotel lobby.

They had a fleeting relationship at that time.

Known as Willy ___? At that time

Mr B. said he had a 2nd relationship with Marion in 1995 or 1996 when he answered a personal ad in a newspaper (maybe Gold coast bulletin). Answered under the name of Rick. He did not know it was posted by Marion. Met up for a meal, went back to her house in Southport. 3 or 4 nights with Marion at that time.

Visited SS with Marion after she had resigned to collect books.

After Marion moved out of her Southport house she asked to store boxes at his house; he agreed; delivered to house in Wollomba near Lismore by removalists

House sold 25 April 1997; moved in with Leslie L. around 1st may 1997.

1 week after boxes delivered Marion came to collect them with a man in his 50s.

Tall, wearing a white hat, blue uniform, gold markings like bar on sleeves. Took him to be a naval officer or pilot. Marion told him that he and his man were travelling to Europe together to go on the orient express. She would live with this man and establish private school in England. Last time he ever saw her.

Mr B. Was a photographer and coin dealer. Travelling primarily to Belgium in the 1980s and 1990s.

Mr Bl. proposed to a woman Mrs O. that they travel Europe together and start a life together in 1999; she gave him the title deeds to her house and other personal documents. During the trip she stayed in England while he was in Europe; he called her to say he lost her documents
Back in Australia he returned some of the documents; but in the weeks thereafter the title deeds were stolen from her house

Mr. B. kept some of her jewellery

They had a sexual relationship (according to Mr. B). He says he didn’t have any of her documents; was bashed and robbed at Amsterdam and hospitalised. Denies later taking title deeds. Says he returned all her jewellery

Mrs B. says in mid-late 1990s she placed a Newspaper ad seeking a friend. Fred. De Hep(?????) replied (Mr B). She says she attended his house and he was looking for somewhere to say so she offered her garden studio. He offered they go into business together in coin-dealing. She gave him $30 000 for this business; the relationship ended. AVO granted in Nth Sydney 6th January 1999. Mr. Blun said he did not remember her or offering her a business proposition. Denies stealing coins from her. Doesn’t recollect the AVO; never received a copy. Denies writing a letter to local court saying he assented to the AVO.

Mr B, according to international movement records – travelled to Japan 17 June 1997 with his outgoing passenger card saying he intended to spend 30 days in Belgium. Incoming – returned 31 July 1997. “Richard Lloyd Westbury” was the name on his passport following change by Deedpoll. Parallels with the dates Marion left under Florabella Remakel – she left 5 days before him, returned 2 days after him. He said he never saw Marion returning from wherever she went. Says no contact after 2 Aug 1997. Said he wasn’t aware she was a missing person. Denies he ever received money from her.

This is helpful, thanks. And good work using the initials so less likely to be deleted! Forgot about the rules in my excitement to post sorry.
Just to clarify, was Mrs B in attendance at the hearing? The one who talked about being scammed in the coin business?

 

[caitlincurious]

This is helpful, thanks. And good work using the initials so less likely to be deleted! Forgot about the rules in my excitement to post sorry.
Just to clarify, was Mrs B in attendance at the hearing? The one who talked about being scammed in the coin business?

All good! It's a bit annoying abbreviating but I figured it'd be useful for people to at least have bare bone details and they can find the names elsewhere. From the sound of it she was interviewed and provided a witness statement but I am unsure whether she is slated to appear at the inquest.

 

[Itsapuzzle]

Hi all

I wrote a longer summary of the FR/RB bit with names shortened


Mr. R.B.

Belgian national moved to Australia late 1960s

Lived in a number of states throughout Australia since that time

Has informed police he placed the ad in 1994 under the Name MFR

Purpose: French speaking friend

Historical Qld driving records indicate he obtained a drivers license under FNR well before Marion disappeared

Relevant because prior to Marion’s disappearance she changed her name including Remakel

Mr B. has admitted he knew Marion Barter

Informed police that in the mid 1960s he was in Switzerland and met Marion Warren in a hotel lobby.

They had a fleeting relationship at that time.

Known as Willy ___? At that time

Mr B. said he had a 2nd relationship with Marion in 1995 or 1996 when he answered a personal ad in a newspaper (maybe Gold coast bulletin). Answered under the name of Rick. He did not know it was posted by Marion. Met up for a meal, went back to her house in Southport. 3 or 4 nights with Marion at that time.

Visited SS with Marion after she had resigned to collect books.

After Marion moved out of her Southport house she asked to store boxes at his house; he agreed; delivered to house in Wollomba near Lismore by removalists

House sold 25 April 1997; moved in with Leslie L. around 1st may 1997.

1 week after boxes delivered Marion came to collect them with a man in his 50s.

Tall, wearing a white hat, blue uniform, gold markings like bar on sleeves. Took him to be a naval officer or pilot. Marion told him that he and his man were travelling to Europe together to go on the orient express. She would live with this man and establish private school in England. Last time he ever saw her.

Mr B. Was a photographer and coin dealer. Travelling primarily to Belgium in the 1980s and 1990s.

Mr Bl. proposed to a woman Mrs O. that they travel Europe together and start a life together in 1999; she gave him the title deeds to her house and other personal documents. During the trip she stayed in England while he was in Europe; he called her to say he lost her documents
Back in Australia he returned some of the documents; but in the weeks thereafter the title deeds were stolen from her house

Mr. B. kept some of her jewellery

They had a sexual relationship (according to Mr. B). He says he didn’t have any of her documents; was bashed and robbed at Amsterdam and hospitalised. Denies later taking title deeds. Says he returned all her jewellery

Mrs B. says in mid-late 1990s she placed a Newspaper ad seeking a friend. Fred. De Hep(?????) replied (Mr B). She says she attended his house and he was looking for somewhere to say so she offered her garden studio. He offered they go into business together in coin-dealing. She gave him $30 000 for this business; the relationship ended. AVO granted in Nth Sydney 6th January 1999. Mr. Blun said he did not remember her or offering her a business proposition. Denies stealing coins from her. Doesn’t recollect the AVO; never received a copy. Denies writing a letter to local court saying he assented to the AVO.

Mr B, according to international movement records – travelled to Japan 17 June 1997 with his outgoing passenger card saying he intended to spend 30 days in Belgium. Incoming – returned 31 July 1997. “Richard Lloyd Westbury” was the name on his passport following change by Deedpoll. Parallels with the dates Marion left under Florabella Remakel – she left 5 days before him, returned 2 days after him. He said he never saw Marion returning from wherever she went. Says no contact after 2 Aug 1997. Said he wasn’t aware she was a missing person. Denies he ever received money from her.

Fabulous! Thanks Caitlincurious, and welcome to websleuths

 

[KiwiNZ]

so was the black out this morning in regards to RB, as I assume the lawyer present this morning but not this afternoon was his lawyer ?

 

[MrsWattle]

Wollongbar is close to Lismore. RB lived there? Wonder how many other women he conned.