Coroner's doubt over confession regarding Rose Howell disappearance Rose Howell, pictured here in a 2003 copy photo,was last seen getting into a car on the Pacific Highway near Bellingen. A VIOLENT armed robber who was just 15 when north coast teen Rose Howell disappeared has confessed nearly a decade later to being involved in her abduction and murder. The criminal's "admission" was revealed as a coroner yesterday gave his findings into the 18-year-old's 2003 disappearance - which he ruled could not definitely be linked to the man, who may have only put himself forward to get publicity while in jail. Ms Howell, recognisable in her tight-knit community by her mohawk haircut, was last seen as she tried to hitchhike from Bellingen, near Coffs Harbour, after using the local library's computers to prepare invitations for her 19th birthday party. She did not return to her Bungagen home and her family have not seen or heard from her since. Last December the inmate, "Prisoner A," contacted Crime Stoppers to finger himself and an unidentified accomplice for Ms Howell's death. Prisoner A, now 25, was jailed for more than seven years for armed robberies at Newcastle, committed two months after he was released on parole for similar crimes. He identified a burial site, which was scoured last month with the help of a cadaver dog but nothing was found. Deputy State Coroner Paul MacMahon said Prisoner A's claims "cannot be ignored" although there was no solid evidence to support his confessions or for charges to be laid. "There is also a serious question as to whether or not he had the opportunity to be involved in Rose's disappearance due to the restrictions placed on his movements about the time Rose went missing," he said. Prisoner A had a criminal history from age 13 and was consistently in and out of the juvenile justice system. The coroner was told Corrective Services had "some concern" the inmate was in close contact with another prisoner who was receiving "considerable media attention" and Prisoner A may have been using his claims to generate some publicity for himself. Mr MacMahon said Ms Howell, a young woman with a "strong an independent personality," probably died "at the hands of some unknown third party" and referred the case to the Unsolved Homicide Unit.