Inconsistencies in multiple statements to police led to a man becoming a suspect in a possible murder investigation, a jury has heard.
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Matthew James Badkin has pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice in relation to the investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Christopher Dean Watkins.
Mr Watkins was last seen at a unit on Box Street at Mayfield on August 7, 2013.
In the days and weeks proceeding Mr Watkins' disappearance, Mr Badkin did a statutory declaration and three video interviews with police which were played to the jury on Tuesday.
Senior Sergeant Rick Newman was the lead investigator in the case until 2014 and he gave evidence in the Launceston Supreme Court.
Senior Sergeant Newman said Mr Badkin was a known suspect because of the lies police believe he told about the night Mr Watkins disappeared.
During an interview, Mr Badkin told police he and Christopher Brewer-Parker dropped Mr Watkins off near Newnham IGA between 11pm and 1am.
Mr Badkin said he then drove to his girlfriend's Rocherlea house and smoked marijuana with Mr Brewer-Parker.
Police asked whether Mr Badkin drove to Deloraine with a group of friends as a number of people had given statements that placed the accused there.
Mr Badkin told police he went to Deloraine but he couldn't remember what day certain events took place.
In a video interview on September 27, police told Mr Badkin his mobile phone pinged off a tower at Lilydale and another at Mount Direction between 4.19am and 9.57am on the night in question. The court heard Mr Badkin's girlfriend messaged and called him a number of times during that period.
Senior Sergeant Newman said Mr Brewer-Parker's phone bounced off the same towers on the same night as Mr Badkin's phone.
"We are going around in circles because you've told so many lies," Senior Sergeant Newman said.
The accused told police he didn't lie to them on purpose and he had trouble remembering his movements.
Defence lawyer Charmaine Gibson told the jury what her client said was not always accurate, but it was important to watch the video to assess whether he did his best to answer questions.
The trial before Justice Robert Pearce continues on Wednesday.
