Ram Khadka had a headache but bailed out of his doctor's appointment on September 10, 2018.
The Nepalese native instead went for a walk to the BWS bottleshop at Sydney's Bondi Beach, purchased two beers and a bottle of red wine.
It was the last time the 47-year-old's wife and three children ever saw him.
Despite no body ever being found, Mr Khadka was declared dead on Tuesday after a coroner released findings into an inquest on his disappearance.
The report found the NSW police conduct into the missing person investigation had "numerous inadequacies".
Coroner Derek Lee recommended the officer-in-charge be evaluated by the independent watchdog.
Detective Senior Constable Sudeep Swar was also born in Nepal and completed about 10 missing person investigations before taking on Mr Khadka's case.
He told Judge Lee he saw this investigation as an opportunity to build a bridge between the Nepalese community and the police.
However, the investigation failed because this officer in charge wasn't aware of the investigation's correct protocols.
Three days after Mr Khadka went missing, his family told police they discovered a $100 taxi fare charged to his credit card.
The lead was never followed because investigations were focused on the bottle shop.
This was a missed opportunity to speak to one of the last people who Mr Khadka interacted with, Judge Lee found.
Det Sen Const Swar's investigations at the BWS were also inadequate.
He attended the bottle shop and obtained the details of staff, but never obtained statements from any BWS employee.
Another missed opportunity, Judge Lee found.
He said investigations also failed to properly examine CCTV footage or ask any premise near BWS if cameras were onsite.
Thorough examination of footage could have provided direction of Mr Khadka's final movements and was a failure to adhere to the NSW Police missing person standard operating procedure.
In evidence, Det Sen Const Swar admitted he never had any training in relation to these missing person protocols and it was never brought to his attention.
Judge Lee acknowledged Det Sen Const Swar had limited experience and it wasn't possible to assess whether his shortcomings prevented Mr Khadka being found.
But he noted the family's grief.
"There is no doubt that Mr Khadka is greatly missed by his family and loved ones," Judge Lee said.
He recommended the investigating officer's conduct be passed onto the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission for evaluation.
NSW Police and Mr Khadka's family have been contacted for comment.
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