COUNSEL for the NSW Police Force, Michael Spartalis has conceded the initial police investigation into missing Bathurst teenager Jessica Small was deficient.
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Mr Spartalis told an inquest into Jessica's abduction and presumed murder, being heard at Bathurst Local Court before deputy state coroner Sharon Freund today, that the initial investigation was "somewhat lacking" and that lines of enquiry which should have been examined were not.
He said police failed to follow up witnesses who should have been followed up, adding the significance of what the witnesses had to say will never be known.
However, since Detective Sergeant Peter Smith took over the case in 2007 Mr Spartalis said the Small case has "one of the most comprehensive and best police briefs he has ever seen."
Mr Spartalis also told the court a number of changes within the NSW Police Force have been implemented which ultimately prevent the shortcomings which occurred in Jessica's case from ever happening again.
The inquest continues at Bathurst Court House.
