The husband of fraudster Melissa Caddick was too distressed to continue giving evidence at his wife's inquest after saying he couldn't understand the "confusing" questions.
Anthony Koletti returned to the witness box on Wednesday at the NSW Coroners Court but Deputy State Coroner Elizabeth Ryan asked him to step down about lunchtime as his answers were not helpful.
Earlier, Mr Koletti told counsel assisting Jason Downing SC that on the morning of Ms Caddick's disappearance he assumed she had gone out to do some exercise, on November 12, 2020.
"I didn't think anything of it ... she's just gone for a walk which she does every day not a problem," he told police in an interview.
In evidence Mr Koletti agreed that his wife had no habits, her exercise regime was irregular and she mostly jogged on the treadmill by that stage.
Mr Downing continued questioning Mr Koletti on Wednesday about this inconsistency, asking if he was now trying to justify his answers.
"One of the accounts must not be true," Mr Downing said.
"I'm guessing so, yes," Mr Koletti said.
"Why are you guessing?" Mr Downing said.
"Because your questions are confusing, the way you talk is not the way my mind works," Mr Koletti said.
"Everyone has got a different mind you've got to understand that.
"I don't think you do.
"I've been through a lot in case you haven't noticed."
Mr Koletti was taken to his statement but the confusion continued.
"You can read, can't you?" Mr Downing said.
"I am so confused by your questions," Mr Koletti responded.
Evidence then turned to where Ms Caddick's phone was found, by whom, and when. Mr Koletti had told police a different version to his evidence in court.
"You're just going around in circles like you were before," Mr Koletti said.
"I can't answer these questions over and over again."
His lawyer Judy Swan then interjected saying her client was finding the process distressing, but wanted "it over".
"He's trying to answer to the best of his knowledge but he's obviously struggling with the nuances," Ms Swan said.
"I don't know if it's a mental disconnect or general disconnect. He's distressed and has been for a while."
The coroner said counsel's questions were legitimate and it was her duty to determine if Ms Caddick is alive, and if not, the manner and cause of her death.
She asked whether Mr Koletti was mentally unable to continue, otherwise there was an expectation he would continue to provide answers to questions.
After a break Mr Koletti returned to give evidence, but a few short answers later Mr Downing said he had concerns his answers would provide little assistance the coroner.
"If you are unable to focus on questions and give truthful answers to them that is not going to assist me," Ms Ryan said, before asking him to step down for the day.
He previously said on Tuesday that he had always been truthful but admitted there may have been moments when his "wires were crossed" due to his concern and worry.
He maintains he had no inkling his wife was defrauding family and friends of millions of dollars, nor did he ask her why federal police or the corporate watchdog was suddenly searching their Sydney eastern suburbs home.
It was the last verified sighting of Ms Caddick before she vanished without a trace.
The inquest is due to continue with evidence from an oceanographer.
