Australia Australia - Marion Barter, 51, missing after trip to UK, June 1997 #12

[Bagpus]

I don't know whether this is remotely helpful, but I can't help wondering if RB did something to MB in Japan. Is that why he can't ever afford to use JAL anymore?

I don't know when he could have done that though. I suppose it depends a lot on whether she ever made it back to Australia.

 

[BabeBlues]

The NLA have micro film archives available for the Gold Coast Bulletin. I wonder if the romance scammer personals ads have any PO Box reply ads. I might try have a look but really I'm hoping someone knows how to search more efficiently than me.

Gold Coast bulletin [microform] | National Library of Australia

Back in the 1990's the Sunday Mail was a really popular newspaper for personals ads, this paper was distributed throughout most of SE Qld. It had at least one whole page dedicated to this, it was almost like the Tinder of the 90's for Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast
The Sunday mail [electronic resource] | National Library of Australia (nla.gov.au)

Edit - It looks like the above link only starts from 1998, there may be microfilms in the state library pre 1998

 

[mishy66]

IMO, when the Police knocked on his door last June it took him totally off guard. After 24 years of silence, he was absolutely confident that he got away with everything concerning MB.
His first reaction - deny everything! Then he did some fast googling and he listened to the podcast. Realizing that LE could connect him to MB, he came up with the first version of his story, hoping he could place all suspicion on the mysterious pilot. He was in damage control and didn't know for sure what witnesses or evidence LE and SL had to connect him so he tried to cover all possible bases.
As time passed and he realized LE had very little solid proof, he re-wrote his story to fit, what he thought, were the known provable facts.
With no credible way to explain his first 'fairytale', he took the ludicrous option of denying he ever made that statement in June thereby suggesting LE fabricated the statement and tricked him into signing it. His solicitor disappeared!
Now, we wait, and hope he hasn't covered all bases! 15 days to go...

You have nailed it for me @BonnieB . This is exactly what he did IMO too

 

[BonnieB]

Does anyone have thoughts on the possible connections to Iluka, Nymboida and Grafton? Aside from the use of MB's Medicare card. I have a "gut feeling" these areas are important.

 

[car54]

Does anyone have thoughts on the possible connections to Iluka, Nymboida and Grafton? Aside from the use of MB's Medicare card. I have a "gut feeling" these areas are important.

You've got that right Bonnie! There's about 7 weeks between when MB returned to Brisbane and when she was last heard of in Grafton. Besides possibly withdrawing her savings, MB must have been killing time doing a few trips here and there. She didn't visit family so my guess is she was taking trips somewhat south of Byron with or without RB. Evans Head Iluka, Yamba, Nymboida and Grafton even Armidale were likely towns she could have visited. And it's potentially in this area, (sorry to suggest) MB met with foul play. Unfortunately accommodation booking records and visitor books are scant so we need to come up with other possible links to find evidence.

 

[MrsWattle]

Does anyone have thoughts on the possible connections to Iluka, Nymboida and Grafton? Aside from the use of MB's Medicare card. I have a "gut feeling" these areas are important.

My thoughts about the OLD Pacific Highway (not the new highway) from Ballina to Grafton. It was an antiques shoppers delight route, for example Ulmurra with various bric-a-brac, antiques and old world furniture in funky little shops and some larger warehouse treasure troves. The interesting characters who run them and some of the eclectic, amazing items for sale. They buy from dealers or deceased estates or auctions or wherever they can. I often wonder if they knew RB, or he dropped by at those places to look for coins, do deals, trade.

 

[MrsWattle]

Double

 

[BonnieB]

You've got that right Bonnie! There's about 7 weeks between when MB returned to Brisbane and when she was last heard of in Grafton. Besides possibly withdrawing her savings, MB must have been killing time doing a few trips here and there. She didn't visit family so my guess is she was taking trips somewhat south of Byron with or without RB. Evans Head Iluka, Yamba, Nymboida and Grafton even Armidale were likely towns she could have visited. And it's potentially in this area, (sorry to suggest) MB met with foul play. Unfortunately accommodation booking records and visitor books are scant so we need to come up with other possible links to find evidence.

Unfortunately, with some sleuths having the opinion that MB did not return to Australia or that she died shortly after arrival, not much discussion seems to have taken place about the possibility Marion was alive and well until about mid October.
IMO, it is perfectly feasible that she was, indeed alive until that time and I am keen to hear ideas about her possible whereabouts. There are/were lots of older holiday cottages in the Iluka area - Did RB have access to one?

 

[BonnieB]

My thoughts about the OLD Pacific Highway (not the new highway) from Ballina to Grafton. It was an antiques shoppers delight route, for example Ulmurra with various bric-a-brac, antiques and old world furniture in funky little shops and some larger warehouse treasure troves. The interesting characters who run them and some of the eclectic, amazing items for sale. They buy from dealers or deceased estates or auctions or wherever they can. I often wonder if they knew RB, or he dropped by at those places to look for coins, do deals, trade.

Yes! When I saw the photo of the pub at Ulmurra I remembered stopping there on a trip to Queensland in the 90's. I had to be dragged away from the little shops full of old wares. MB could have easily spent time there and it's on a direct route between Iluka and South Grafton. As you say @MrsWattle, it would also be a place RB frequented on the hunt for anything he could on-sell or to off-load some of his ill gotten gains.

 

[MrsWattle]

Yes! When I saw the photo of the pub at Ulmurra I remembered stopping there on a trip to Queensland in the 90's. I had to be dragged away from the little shops full of old wares. MB could have easily spent time there and it's on a direct route between Iluka and South Grafton. As you say @MrsWattle, it would also be a place RB frequented on the hunt for anything he could on-sell or to off-load some of his ill gotten gains.

I remember a collector friend telling me she would often find the best antiques on that route. A couple of shops in every little village, the shop owners all knew each other but were also very competitive. From Ballina to Grafton was a collectors delight. I don't know much about Illuka but I believe it is a very small fishing village seaside town.

 

[Eyespywithmylittleeye]

P

My thoughts about the OLD Pacific Highway (not the new highway) from Ballina to Grafton. It was an antiques shoppers delight route, for example Ulmurra with various bric-a-brac, antiques and old world furniture in funky little shops and some larger warehouse treasure troves. The interesting characters who run them and some of the eclectic, amazing items for sale. They buy from dealers or deceased estates or auctions or wherever they can. I often wonder if they knew RB, or he dropped by at those places to look for coins, do deals, trade.

Or sold off some of Marions stuff at these out of the way places

 

[MrsWattle]

Unfortunately, with some sleuths having the opinion that MB did not return to Australia or that she died shortly after arrival, not much discussion seems to have taken place about the possibility Marion was alive and well until about mid October.
IMO, it is perfectly feasible that she was, indeed alive until that time and I am keen to hear ideas about her possible whereabouts. There are/were lots of older holiday cottages in the Iluka area - Did RB have access to one?

Mmm. good points yes AC asked RB about Iluka, and also asked him if he owned a boat. The fishing/boating community in the little coastal villages are a tight knit lot. Fishing being very popular.
Also DeH's had a car for about three months, I think Mrs D said it had a problem with the clutch so they sold it. I wonder if MB could drive a manual car, the make and model I can't quite remember.
Something feels very fishy, I wonder if RB introduced MB to some of his family or friends and I wonder if Marion's friends or neighbours ever met RB. My antique collector friend said there are some old European dealers on that old highway with antiques, bookshops and music records.
Buying, selling, treasure hunting all part of the adventure. I'm thinking Greed is his downfall though. Some would say he is a penny pincher with Insatiable appetite for wealthy women.

 

[BonnieB]

Mmm. good points yes AC asked RB about Iluka, and also asked him if he owned a boat. The fishing/boating community in the little coastal villages are a tight knit lot. Fishing being very popular.
Also DeH's had a car for about three months, I think Mrs D said it had a problem with the clutch so they sold it. I wonder if MB could drive a manual car, the make and model I can't quite remember.
Something feels very fishy, I wonder if RB introduced MB to some of his family or friends and I wonder if Marion's friends or neighbours ever met RB. My antique collector friend said there are some old European dealers on that old highway with antiques, bookshops and music records.
Buying, selling, treasure hunting all part of the adventure. I'm thinking Greed is his downfall though. Some would say he is a penny pincher with Insatiable appetite for wealthy women.

It seemed a rather direct question about Iluka to both SL and to DdH. I can't recall any other reference to that town which as you say, is a small coastal village.
I believe the "boat" question was in reference to RB's claim to have owned a boat when conning Monique in Luxembourg.
Regarding the car, it was a white Mitsubishi Magna (Reg PVC096) purchased on 11/8/97. DdH claimed it was sold on 30/11/97 due to it needing expensive gear box repairs. She also claimed it was purchased for her 16 year-old daughter, who drove it to work. Correct me if I'm wrong here but I think she would need to be 17 years old to drive without a licensed driver with her. She was not 17 until April 1998 so that excuse does not hold water. There was another reason he purchased that car! And, IMO a very good reason it was quickly sold!!
I have always suspected the car was a major key to solve this mystery.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Wouldn't it have been good if Marion had her name engraved on some of her belongings.

Or sold off some of Marions stuff at these out of the way places

 

[KiwiNZ]

Unfortunately, with some sleuths having the opinion that MB did not return to Australia or that she died shortly after arrival, not much discussion seems to have taken place about the possibility Marion was alive and well until about mid October.
IMO, it is perfectly feasible that she was, indeed alive until that time and I am keen to hear ideas about her possible whereabouts. There are/were lots of older holiday cottages in the Iluka area - Did RB have access to one?

On that question did she or did she not return -

what would be the advantage of having someone come back on Florabella's passport ?

A far as RB is concerned change you name and you cant be traced, this has worked for him for 50 years, so why harm her in the UK and then have someone come back as Florabella ?

Just interested in others views as to why he would use a stand in on a flight as Florabella

 

[KiwiNZ]

Can anyone remember on the podcast a reference made to Marion having a boyfriend from NSW (?) he was married but use to visit her when she first move the Southport, when he did she kept to herself and never introduced him to anyone

Been trying to find the podcast episode or did I dream it lol

 

[MrsWattle]

Can anyone remember on the podcast a reference made to Marion having a boyfriend from NSW (?) he was married but use to visit her when she first move the Southport, when he did she kept to herself and never introduced him to anyone

Been trying to find the podcast episode or did I dream it lol

Interesting if a neighbour or friend remembers more detail about that boyfriend.

 

[KiwiNZ]

Interesting if a neighbour or friend remembers more detail about that boyfriend.

I have waded through all of the episodes cant find it lol - I thought it was LLD who spoke about this

 

[Itsapuzzle]

Can anyone remember on the podcast a reference made to Marion having a boyfriend from NSW (?) he was married but use to visit her when she first move the Southport, when he did she kept to herself and never introduced him to anyone

Been trying to find the podcast episode or did I dream it lol

I think that was in Bronwen's evidence from the inquest. They'd met him, he was a school teacher from her last school. He visited her for a while at Ashmore till they went their separate ways, if that's what you're thinking of KiwiNZ?

 

[MrsWattle]

I have waded through all of the episodes cant find it lol - I thought it was LLD who spoke about this

Yes I thought LLD did mention a mysterious handyman boyfriend???

Why would RB tell JO he had thousands of cedar? trees in Nymboida?
I searched for historical society info and photos of Nymboida some time ago. I found the history of the area very eerie. Will try find that again.