I know the thought he might not have acted alone has sat with you throughout as a scenario. Do you still strongly believe that? Or is it just a vague possibility in your mind? I’m intrigued as to why ... for me everything points to dark, fear instilling, odd sex loner. Would he realistically be able to persuade anyone to cover for him? Would he be likely to meet a like minded deviant? I love reading your posts and really respect your thoughts on this case - because most are very much aligned with my own thinking. But for me this is definitely a solo act.
I don't think anyone would cover for something like that. If he didn't act alone it was from the start.
I'm slowly doubting it and moving to your opinion but:
I still think it's a possibility because on the surface this case looks so simple it should have been cleared up ages ago. Yet there are so many oddities. Too many things don't add up. It's the only thing I can think of.
Why was the first 10 minutes of spidercam edited out when it would have added just seconds to the footage and given the police extra scope to ask had anyone seen him. The only reasons I can think of are him taking something incriminating out if his car or evidence of him contacting someone else.
The comment to his sister about the address in sat nav. I did wonder was that an excuse (not a good one) for him texting her address. Making the heathcote screams more relevant.
He's very confident(eye contact with victims, leaving DNA) but doesn't seem bright (leaving DNA, keeping stuff in his car even when he knows she was in it and the police are everywhere). That combination of traits makes mistakes yet he manages to dispose of a body.
The river in the park is tidal and winding. The police started searching there almost immediately. Early on many people seemed to think she'd have been found if left in River in the park. The police have focused there so I'm guessing they don't have CCTV of him elsewhere. So could someone else have taken her elsewhere?
He entered Ventnor road via a broken window hidden away at the rear of the property. How did he know it was there?
Not a good basis for an opinion I'll grant you that