Daughters beg the 'monster' who killed their father to answer their one burning question as they confront him in court

The devastated daughters of a man missing for more than five years have begged his killer to finally provide answers during an emotional court hearing.

Dalibor 'Dale' Pantic, 38, was last seen on a farm in Perry Bridge, in Gippsland, Victoria, on the night of April 10, 2019.

His disappearance prompted a complex police investigation which led to a friend, Sam Gordon Blake, being charged with causing his death two years later.

On Wednesday, Blake, 35, returned before the Victorian Supreme Court for a presentence hearing after pleading guilty to a charge of manslaughter.

The court was told Mr Pantic was killed when an argument escalated and Blake struck him over the head with a block of wood.

Prosecutor Jordan Johnston said Blake had lured Mr Pantic to a property intending to take his car from him as repayment of a debt.

In victim impact statements, members of Mr Pantic's family described Blake as 'evil' and a 'monster', questioning how someone they had let into their lives could kill a friend.

Blake sat in the dock with his eyes closed as Dalibor's father, Jovan Pantic, described the torture of losing his son five years ago.

'Since your disappearance our lives have stopped. I do not know how to go on without you, my son,' he said.

'You let this man into our lives, into our homes, and look at what he did ... I can't believe you trusted him.

'Sam I need to know where my son is, please tell me where he is.'

Two of Mr Pantic's daughters took the stand to say their lives had been ripped apart by the loss of their loving father and best friend.

His sister Bozina urged Blake to tell them where the body is, saying she cannot find peace until he is laid to rest.

'Sam please take pity on me, my parents and Dalibor's children and please let us know where he is,' she said.

The court was told Blake had written a letter of remorse and a letter outlining what he claims happened on April 10.

He described his actions as 'selfish, disgusting and shameful' and said he had dumped Mr Pantic's body in the Avon River, near Sale.

Blake's barrister Glenn Casement urged Justice John Champion to find that his version of events were 'genuine' and reflected real remorse and an effort to co-operate.

The court was told there had been nine flooding events in the Avon River since the killing, and despite 'very significant' efforts by police over the years no trace of Mr Pantic has been found.

Mr Johnston argued Blake's letter was self-serving and made with the knowledge there was little chance of ever recovering remains.

Justice Champion adjourned sentencing to a later date.