Bruce John Preston, aged 70, made an appearance today to provide testimony at the two-week inquest regarding the 1978 killings of Karen Edwards, 23, Tim Thomson, 31, and Gordon Twaddle, 21, which occurred in the outback of Queensland.

The three friends were travelling on motorbikes on their way home to Melbourne for the Christmas holidays.

Preston’s now-deceased father also acknowledged that his son had taken the family’s LandCruiser, a vehicle resembling the one sighted at the caravan park when the group vanished.

He died convinced his son had committed the murders, the court was told.

“A vehicle closely resembling your father’s was reportedly seen entering Moondarra Caravan Park under the cover of darkness on October 5, removing camping equipment and tents left by Karen, Tim, and Gordon,” Aberdeen stated.

Preston could not recall borrowing the car that night and said LandCruisers were in “every second driveway”.

“I can’t deny taking the car, but I can’t remember,” he said.

He had no answer when told police traced only 20 vehicles matching the same colour, make and model in the mining town at the time of the murders.

Preston has claimed privilege against self-incrimination and has been directed to give evidence by the coroner.

Throughout his testimony, the court has repeatedly questioned the veracity of his evidence, warning Preston he was close to perjury.