What happened to Cleo Smith after the abduction that shook the nation?
Five years on from the abduction that shocked Australia and made headlines around the world, Cleo Smith is thriving.
She was just four years old in 2021 when she was abducted from her parents’ tent at a remote Western Australian beach and held for 18 days by a drug-addled drifter, before being rescued in a massive police operation.
Five years on from the shocking abduction that transfixed Australia and made headlines around the world, Cleo Smith is thriving. 60 Minutes
Cleo Smith, her little sister Isla and their parents, Jake and Ellie, had been asleep in a tent at the Quobba Blowholes in north-western WA.
When Ellie woke up Cleo was nowhere to be found.
In those first desperate moments, Ellie and Jake were already contemplating the unthinkable.
“The second we realised her – like, she was gone and her sleeping bag was gone,” Ellie said.
“That was the second we knew she did not walk away.”
For the next two and a half weeks, much of Australia, and a lot of the world, was gripped by the mystery of what had happened to Cleo.
While wild theories and ridiculous rumours spread everywhere, police got on with the job of piecing together the evidence.
After 18 days, police filmed the footage that sparked joy and relief around the world.
“My name is Cleo,” the little girl said, confirming the good news.
Police investigations eventually pointed to one man, Terence Kelly, from Cleo’s home town of Carnarvon.
Cleo Smith. Supplied
He was arrested, admitted his crimes, and was jailed for 13 and a half years.
Cleo, who was remarkably calm throughout the horrific ordeal, and her family began the long process of healing, which continues today.
Cleo will be nine next month.
Her Mum Ellie sent in photos and said her precious daughter was a happy child who loved her little sister, Isla, as well as her many friends at school.
She’s joined the local swimming club but her current great passion is gymnastics.
She’s joined the local swimming club but her current great passion is gymnastics. 60 Minutes
In fact, Cleo’s just returned from her first overseas trip, to Singapore, where she competed in an international gymnastics competition.
Her composure was clearly evident in the videos recorded by her proud mum.
Watch the full episode of 60 Minutes on 9Now.
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