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An inquest into the death of 3-year-old Lachlan Jones has begun, with a coroner speaking of the family’s “unimaginable” loss.
The boy’s mother, who has name suppression, is the first witness of the inquest.
Suppression orders put in place by the Coroner require media to wait until witnesses have completed giving evidence before reporting.
His father, Paul Jones, believes Lachlan was murdered.
Day one of a 15-day fixture held by Coroner Alexander Ho began at the Invercargill courthouse this morning.
During the inquest, evidence will be given by witnesses, including Lachlan’s family, who were present or in the vicinity the evening of his disappearance.
Coroner Ho began the hearing by expressing his condolences to the child’s friends and family.
“The loss of a young life like Lachie and the impact this would have had on you is unimaginable to those not in your position,” he said.
The inquest into the death of Lachlan Paul Graham Jones, held by Auckland-based Coroner Alexander Ho, has begun at the Invercargill courthouse on Monday. Photo / Southland Times/Stuff
“No condolences I express here today, while genuine, can salve your grief. I did not have the privilege of knowing Lachie but he’s now my responsibility.”
He told the court he was not bound to accept the conclusions of two police investigations and would keep an open mind until he had heard all the evidence.
Late last year, police admitted they had made some missteps in the immediate investigation of Lachlan’s death.
“Just because something is not likely to have happened does not necessarily determine that another is possible,” the coroner said.
In some areas it may be there was not enough evidence, and the inquest may be adjourned to gather such evidence.
The first day of the inquest adjourned with the first witness not yet to complete giving evidence.
