An inquest into the death of a taxi driver who was ‘savagely’ murdered in 1987 has been re-opened after clues including satanism, cults and bondage parties emerged.
Bryan Hodgkinson was found dead aged 48 in a gravel pit off a dirt road 30 kilometres from Bundaberg, in Queensland, in September that year.
The case was adjourned, to be opened again 30 years later with evidence finally pointing to what could have happened the day of Mr Hodgkinson’s death, News Mail reported.
Bryan Hodgkinson (pictured) was found dead age 48 in a gravel pit off a dirt road 30 kilometres from Bundaberg, in Queensland, in September
His body was found covered in stab wounds to the back of his head, forehead, chest and abdomen, with injuries up to 18cm deep, a 2009 inquest heard.
The coroners court in Bundaberg was told Monday Mr Hodgkinson was among two other people murdered in the city within six months of each other.
Evidence revealed by long-time friend, Gary Spann, suggested ‘Bundys’ party scene and Mr Hodgkinson’s involvement in it may hold crucial answers to his murder.
‘He never went anywhere without his camera. He used to go to parties to take photos,’ 78-year-old Mr Spann told the court Tuesday.
There were a lot of weird things going on in the Bundaberg area at that time. A lot of cults, Satanism … bondage parties,’ Mr Spann said.
Evidence revealed by long-time friend, Gary Spann, suggested ‘Bundys’ party scene and Mr Hodgkinson’s (pictured) involvement in it may hold crucial answers to his murder
Paula Peters was the first of the residents to be murdered, and was found in a ‘bondage position’ in a burnt cane field, believed to have been the location of one of the parties.
‘People get their kicks in seeing photos of what they’ve gone through … (Mr Hodgkinson) was there to take photos I think … I think he knew something,’ Mr Spann said.
Mr Span, a security officer at the time, said his late friend seemed different when he passed him driving his taxi the early morning of September 10.
Rather than their usual ‘hello wave’, he said Mr Hodgkinson only offered a ‘slight hand raise’ as he drove past with two passengers in his vehicle.
The two passengers in the taxi were Gary Rasmussen and Anthony Beer, 47, the court was told.
Rather than their usual ‘hello wave’, he said Mr Hodgkinson (pictured) only offered a ‘slight hand raise’ as he drove past with two passengers in his vehicle the night of his death
Mr Rasmussen died from prescription drugs in 1993, and Mr Beer was cleared of appearing in trial due to lack of evidence in 2010, but was subpoenaed to appear in court Tuesday.
Mr Beer’s appeal to not give evidence was accepted on the grounds he could claim privilege against self-incrimination, given the murder happened before the new Coroners Act 2003.
Mr Rasmussen told Mr Beer to count to 10 and cover his ears before getting out of the taxi the night Mr Hodhkins died, the court was told.
When he returned, he ordered Mr Beer to drive back to town.
A review was filed in 2014 recommending witnesses were further investigated, but Counsel to the Coroner John Aberdeen said those recommendations had not yet been acted on.