Advertisement

Missing Perth man's family hope inquest will bring answers

It has been 34 years since Perth man Tony Jones went missing while trying to visit his brother in Mount Isa, and now his family hold out hope an inquest will provide some answers.

Brian Jones says he just wants his son home, after the 20-year-old hitchhiker was last seen in Townsville back in 1982.

The man dubbed Australia’s ‘Hannibal Lecter’, Andy Albury, has reportedly confessed to up to 14 murders, including that of Mr Jones.

Missing Perth man Tony Jones. Source: 7News
Missing Perth man Tony Jones. Source: 7News
A reward was offered for information on Mr Jones' disappearance. Source: 7News
A reward was offered for information on Mr Jones' disappearance. Source: 7News

Mr Albury is one of dozens of people to give evidence at the inquest.

"Tony was a scallywag, he was loveable. He was a down-to-earth young Aussie who just loved life," his brother Mark said.

"We just want some answers."

Fresh detectives are on the case, after the initial police investigation was found to be “well below the standard expected of the service", Barrister Michael Nicholson found.

Mr Jones had left Perth to go on a working holiday around Australia, and he was last seen on Bowen Road in Townsville where he called his family and girlfriend from a phone booth.

Despite many theories, police have never uncovered what happened to Mr Jones.

The Jones family are waiting on answers for Tony. Source: 7News
The Jones family are waiting on answers for Tony. Source: 7News

The missing man’s family said “it was like a dagger to the heart” when they realized the then-20-year-old’s bank accounts were left untouched.

The family say that was the moment they knew he was dead, and now after 34 years, are hopeful the inquest will uncover vital new evidence.

The man dubbed Australia's 'Hannibal Lecter'. Source: 7News
The man dubbed Australia's 'Hannibal Lecter'. Source: 7News