COLD CASE ARREST

THE BOYFRIEND OF SIMONE STROBEL CHARGED 17 YEARS AFTER HER DEATH

- Penelope Clifton

Perth's upscale City Beach is a long way from the Lismore caravan park Toby Moran was staying at on the night of February 17, 2005, when his girlfriend Simone Strobel's naked body was found at a nearby sports ground hidden under palm fronds. Back then, the 42-year-old was known as Tobias Suckfuell, a German backpacker on the adventure of a lifetime with his 25-year-old kindergarten teacher girlfriend, sister Katrin and her friend Jens Martin. Strobel had gone missing six days earlier, just hours after the group had checked into the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park.

Now married to Samantha Moran, who is expecting their third child together, and living in Perth, Moran was extradited to Sydney last month where he appeared in court charged with his ex-girlfriend's murder and acting with intent to pervert the course of justice. Police alleged Strobel died "of asphyxia" at the hands of Moran.

Prosecutor Kim Gourlie told the court the arrest warrant was issued after witnesses from Germany - where all four travellers were from - came forward with new information about Moran. He said the accused had lied to police "in relation to the nature of their relationship, lies in relation to the use of alcohol, lies in relation to the clothing she was wearing".