Cleo’s mum: We’re so thankful girl is back in our arms
THE parents of abducted fouryear-old Cleo Smith yesterday made their first public statement since her return – expressing their joy at being a family again.
Her mum, Ellie Smith, and stepdad, Jake Gliddon, said they were “so thankful that our little girl is back within our arms”.
The youngster was found by police in a locked house in a remote part of Western Australia after an 18-day search.
Ellie and Jake added: “We are humbled by the love and support we have received from not only our local community but Western Australia and across the country.
“We would like to thank all those involved in the rescue of our daughter Cleo Smith.
“In particular, we would like to thank Western Australia Police, all those involved in the initial search, the Carnarvon community, local businesses and of course our family and friends.”
Earlier, Terence Kelly, who is charged with Cleo’s abduction, appeared to wink at photographers as he was taken in shackles to an airport and flown to a maximum security prison in Perth.
At least four special operations officers escorted the 36-year-old suspect on to the waiting plane for a 600-mile trip. He will be held until his next court appearance on December 6.
Cleo disappeared from her family’s tent at a campsite on October 16, triggering a massive search operation.
Police likened it to finding “a needle in a haystack”, with their efforts covering vast distances and involving thousands of pieces of evidence.
In the end, the house where the youngster was discovered was 62 miles from the remote Blowholes campsite where she had last been seen, but just a few miles from her family home in Carnarvon.
In a recording of her rescue, a police officer can be heard saying “we’ve got her, we’ve got her” and asking Cleo what her name is.
She replies: “My name is Cleo.” And the delighted officers respond: “Hello Cleo!”
Police say that Kelly, who is said to have an obsession with toy dolls, has no connection to the Smith family and believe that he allegedly acted alone.