Matthew Leveson's disappearance: Key dates

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MATTHEW LEVESON:

23 September 2007: Matthew Leveson last seen leaving ARQ nightclub in Darlinghurst about 2am with his partner Michael Atkins.

Mr Atkins seen on CCTV footage buying a garden mattock and gaffer tape from a hardware shop around 12pm.

25 September 2007: Matthew reported missing after he failed to turn up for work.

5 August 2008: Mr Atkins arrested for Matthew's murder.

20 October 2009: Mr Atkins acquitted of murder and manslaughter by a majority verdict. He did not give evidence at his trial.

28 February 2012: A $100,000 reward announced for information leading to the discovery of Matthew's body.

7 December 2015: A coronial inquest into Matthew's suspected murder is relaunched.

20 May 2016: Mr Atkins ordered to give evidence at the inquest and granted immunity from any information he gave being used to prosecute him.

5 September 2016: Mr Atkins launches unsuccessful Supreme Court bid to stop the inquest and avoid giving evidence.

31 October 2016: Mr Atkins begins giving evidence at the NSW Coroner's Court in Glebe.

10 November 2016: Police launch a search in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney after striking a deal with the attorney-general to give Mr Atkins immunity from perjury and contempt of court charges that could arise out of lying to the inquest.

17 November 2016 : First search called off.

09 January 2016: A second and secret search commenced. Two days later, police confirm no remains had been found.

22 May 2016: A third search commences in the Royal National Park.

31 May 2016: Human remains are found.