BY IAN CROUCH
Police are renewing their appeal for public help over the disappearance of a Lake Macquarie man who's been missing for more than two years.
45-year-old Aaron Clear lived a nomadic lifestyle and spent Christmas Eve with his family at Belmont North in 2019 and was last seen at Fassifern Railway Station on 5 February 2020.
It was thought Aaron may have been camping or living on the street and may have travelled interstate for work.
He was reported missing in February last year after family and friends were unable to contact him for an extended period.
It's understood, Aaron suffered from issues around drug and alcohol and had a minor warrant out for his arrest.
Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker says he's not in any trouble if he comes forward.
"We're very open and honest that Aaron led an itinerant lifestyle, very nomadic," he said. "He had some adversity with law enforcement, primarily due to vices - some heavy alcohol use and drug use."
"A number of Aaron's friends, his close friendship group, probably had similar vices. Whether their reluctance to speak with law enforcement and others who are trying to come to the bottom of this is due to that adverse history or otherwise, we don't know."
"There's a time for everyone, if anyone has anything, to man up and be open and forthright with investigators. There's a beautiful family here today and they need some resolution."
A search of bushland at Belmont - where Aaron was known to enjoy camping - failed to turn up any trace of the missing man.
Traditional lines of inquiry, such as bank accounts and social services, haven't helped investigators greatly.
Aaron's sister Cassandra says it's out of character for her brother.
"He would always come back," she said. "Family meant so much to him. It's really strange."
"He wasn't in our life every day, but he was always there, and he would always come back and get Christmas presents, and he would always turn up on his birthday."
"But a lot of milestones and other family things have happened over the time, and he just hasn't been in touch, which is really strange."
Aaron's mum Kerry has issued a heartfelt appeal alongside her family.
"I just would like to know what's happened," she said.
"Every day I've got my phone with family pictures, and I turn it on every day."
"So every day I'm feeling like this. It's just the not knowing."
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| Left to right: Aaron's sisters Jennifer, Rebecca, and Cassandra, with mum Kerry. |
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| Aaron Clear was last seen at Fassifern in February 2020. |
