Escort agency bosses lied about model's disappearance, coroner finds

A deputy state coroner has found that evidence shows escort agency bosses knew what happened to Revelle Balmain, who vanished in Sydney in 1994.It is a cold case mystery spanning almost 32 years and despite Judge Joan Baptie identifying a former boss as a new person of interest, the case remains unsolved.Before delivering her findings, she paused to acknowledge the family's pain."I would like to express sincere condolences to Ms Balmain's family," Judge Baptie said."Her parents are deceased and they never knew what happened to their dearly beloved daughter.""Her sister spoke of her anger, her heartache and uncertainty, that has caused long-lasting unresolved questions."Over two years, Judge Baptie has presided over the inquest into Revelle Balmain's disappearance and presumed death.The 22-year-old vanished in Sydney on November 5, 1994.The next day, she was supposed to catch the 9:30am train to Newcastle to meet her mother, Jan.It was a catch-up trip, as she had upcoming plans to travel to Japan for a dance contract.When Ms Balmain did not arrive, her mother went to Nelson Bay Police Station to report her missing.Revelle Balmain's case has never been solved. (Supplied: AFP)Lies and alleged mafiaAt the time, Ms Balmain was working part-time for an escort company known as Select Companions, which was run by owners Jane King and her husband, Zoran Stanojevic.The inquest heard evidence from Ms King that Mr Stanojevic had alleged links to the "Yugoslavian mafia".Judge Baptie criticised both of their evidence relating to what they knew and when."I am of the view he deliberately lied to police investigators as well as during first inquest about his whereabouts," she said."Similarly, Ms King has given implausible evidence … her evidence has been contrived and calculated."Jane King told police she and husband dined at a pizza restaurant on the afternoon of Ms Balmain's disappearance.Judge Baptie questioned that account."The evidence concludes that they either knew who was responsible for Ms Balmain's disappearance or they themselves were somehow involved," she said.A no-show with clientsThe evidence showed on the night Ms Balmain vanished, she stood up clients and friends of Zoran Stanojevic with links to "Yugoslavian organised crime".Judge Baptie referred to the evidence of Mr Stanojevic's wife, Jane King."Ms King said when Ms Balmain was not available … Zoran was furious she was uncontactable and did not attend because he had talked up Ms Balmain."The deputy state coroner said Ms King concluded her husband "would have taken it as personally that she had not turned up". In relation to Mr Stanojevic, Judge Bapotie said "his movements are not able to be conclusively established and he therefore cannot be discounted as a person of interest".The findings were handed down in the NSW State Coroners Court. (AAP: Dean Lewins)That afternoonThe inquest was told that on the afternoon prior to her disappearance, Ms Balmain had an appointment with Gavin Samers.He then dropped her at the Red Tomato Inn at Kingsford at 7pm.The next day her bag , shoes, make-up, diary, credit cards and the keys to her flat were found scattered around several Kingsford streets.Judge Baptie said it was a "failure' by police to believe Mr Samer was the only person of interest."Mr Gavin Samer became a major person of interest in the police investigation and the first inquest [and] remained person of interest this inquest," she said."Mr Samer certainly had the opportunity to kill Ms Balmain but there is no possible motive proved."Investigation 'marred'The deputy state coroner said while Mr Samer was an "obvious suspect" who had scratches to his neck and chest and a possible bite mark, other people were overlooked in investigations."Problems that marred this investigation through the years remained anchored to the conclusion that Mr Samer was the only suspect," she found.Judge Baptie said while there were persons of interest, there was not enough evidence to refer the matter to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).She did however refer it to the Unsolved Homicide Unit for further investigation.A $1 million reward remains in place for information about the disappearance and presumed death of Ms Balmain.