Leisl Smith, 23, was last seen alive on CCTV getting into a white ute at Tuggerah railway station on the NSW Central Coast in August 2012.

The vehicle belonged to her accused killer, James Church, who was charged with her murder and faced trial 10 years later.

Justice Elizabeth Fullerton, overseeing his trial without a jury, had reached a verdict and completed her written explanation but had yet to announce it.

When Church died, the verdict was sealed and the legal proceedings were terminated in accordance with the laws of abatement.

Smith’s family urged for an exception to the laws in cases where a verdict has been reached, to spare other families from enduring the same pain they have experienced.

Grahame highlighted that keeping the verdict of Church’s trial sealed caused “deep distress” to Smith’s family and the dedicated police officers whose investigation was suddenly halted.

The coroner recommended NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley refer the question to the law reform commission for consideration.

The lead detective in June said he believed Smith’s body lay near Church’s area of work.

“It’s something that I think about all the time,” he said, before addressing Smith’s mother Sandi Harvey in the courtroom.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the ultimate answers that you really wanted … you deserve them.

“I’ve done my best and I’m sorry.”

Smith’s sister Jerildene Cane recounted to the inquest their final conversation, where her sister spoken about promising plans for the future, including resuming her studies.

“The only thing I wish I had done is hug her,” Cane said.