A forensic search of William Tyrrell in and around Kendall in late 2021 turned up animal bones but no sign of the three-year-old, an inquest heard.

William’s disappearance from his foster grandmother’s home in Kendall on the NSW Mid North Coast in September 2014 is the subject of an inquest before the NSW Coroner’s Court.

The long-running inquest before Deputy Coroner Harriet Grahame has resumed and is due to conclude following a final block of hearings.

The inquest is examining a police theory that William died in an accidental fall and that his foster mother dumped his body in nearby bush.

It is an allegation which has been persistently and vehemently denied by the adoptive mother.

The inquest on Tuesday is expected to hear from Dr Jennifer Menzies, a bone expert, and Senior Constable Jost Preis, who will give evidence about the search.

THE SEARCH

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 went missing in September 2014

“It goes beyond any argument now that William Tyrrell has not been found,” the lawyer representing Gerard Craddock told the court on Monday.

“It is beyond dispute that no forensic evidence was found at 48 Benaroon Drive or anywhere else that would provide a clue to William’s disappearance.”

Police and volunteers sifted through leaf litter and soil by hand during the search, as well as draining creeks and looking for any sign of William with cadaver dogs.

Professor Jon Olley, an expert in water science, was brought in by NSW Police as a consultant during the dig, and has also been involved in the search for Daniel Morcombe and other high-profile missing persons cases.

He told the court the search was “extremely thorough”.

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

“The estimate is hundreds of years,” said Professor Olley.

The court heard no traces of William were found, but the search turned up animal bones, including kangaroo limbs.

The court heard Professor Olley also emailed a wildlife expert from the Department for Primary Industries asking if the bones could have been taken by wild pigs and dogs.

He said the expert answered “absolutely”.

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

ACCIDENTAL FALL

The court was told police believe 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 Benaroon Drive home and called triple 0.

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

He said police further theorized that the foster mother “drove his mother’s car down Batar Creek Road and placed William’s body somewhere in the brush.”

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

The foster mother’s evidence to the NSW Crime Commission will also be presented in court.

Mr Craddock also noted that police theories could be wrong.

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

The hearing continues.