Coroner delivers open finding into Matthew Leveson’s death

A NSW coroner has made an open finding as to the cause and manner of 20-year-old Matthew Leveson’s death.

Deputy state coroner Elaine Truscott delivered her findings at Glebe Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, more than eight years after Mr Leveson’s boyfriend Michael Atkins was acquitted of murder.

Ms Truscott said that for reasons unknown to her, Atkins had not taken the opportunity to provide answers about Mr Leveson’s death during his protected evidence at the inquest.  

A coroner has made an open finding as to the cause and manner of Matthew Leveson’s death

He was last seen leaving Darlinghurst’s ARQ nightclub with his older boyfriend, Michael Atkins, in September 2007.

Atkins, who in 2009 was acquitted of murdering Mr Leveson by a Supreme Court jury, long denied any knowledge of his whereabouts.

He finally led police to his bones at a national park south of Sydney after striking a deal last year to avoid contempt and perjury charges.

Ms Truscott said that for reasons unknown to her, Atkins (above) had not taken the opportunity to provide answers about Mr Leveson’s death during his protected evidence at the inquest

Matthew was last seen leaving Darlinghurst’s ARQ nightclub with his older boyfriend, Michael Atkins (left), in September 2007

Police offered the 54-year-old the deal after he admitted lying during the investigation into Mr Leveson’s disappearance and while giving evidence during the inquest.

He told them he decided to bury him in bushland after finding him dead in their bedroom from a drug overdose.

Matthew’s parents Mark and Faye Leveson believe Atkins killed their son, possibly by strangulation or smothering. 

Matthew’s parents Mark and Faye Leveson (pictured in October) believe Atkins killed their son

Mark and Faye Leveson stand together in bushland in the Royal National Park in May this year