By PAUL MILLAR
SIGHTINGS of a man wanted in connection with the alleged abduction and probable murder of Leopold’s Paul Kingsbury have surged following a front-page story in the Geelong Independent.
The Independent this week revealed that John Nelis, 31, of Moolap, had been house-hopping in the Corio after police issued a warrant for his arrest.
Geelong Police Acting Inspector Boris Buick said the story generated new leads.
“There’s certainly been more interest,” Act Insp Buick said.
“There have been several alleged sightings. Unfortunately, some have been off the mark and he’s being very elusive.”
Police believed that Mr Nelis was armed and warned the public against approaching him.
Act Insp Buick confirmed he was “known to police” before the arrest warrant.
Mr Kingsbury, a 27-year-old father of one, was last seen in Larkins Lne, Moolap, in the early hours of 6 July.
Police believe he had been in contact with Mr Nelis.
The Fugitive Taskforce has been drafted in to boost local patrols in the search for Mr Nelis.
“It’s only a matter of time,” Act Insp Buick said.
He urged Nelis to give himself up through his solicitor.
“We need him to give his account of what happened.”
Mr Kingsbury has not contacted family since his disappearance and his bank account has remained untouched.
“We suspect that he’s dead and that he met with foul play,” Act Insp Buick said.
Police had a warrant for the arrest of Mr Nelis in relation to the kidnapping of Mr Kingsbury.
“We believe that he holds the key to why he has gone missing and possibly more,” the detective said.
Police had heard about numerous sightings of Mr Nelis and were urging him to give himself up.
Act Insp Buick said much speculation surrounded the disappearance.
Local intelligence suggested it was payback from bikies but disappearances without the discovery of a body always sparked rumours, he said.
“We’re being very careful. We’re not ruling anything out as a possibility.
“He (Mr Nelis) is aware we’re looking for him.’’
Police have charged a 36-year-old Indented Head man with three counts each of making threats to kill and false imprisonment in relation Mr Kingsbury’s disappearance.
He faced court without making an application for bail and was remanded to reappear for a committal mention on 12 December.
