Cleo Smith’s alleged abductor: What we know

This is the life of the man who allegedly abducted Cleo Smith, who was dubbed an overweight loner and described as an “oddball”.

The man being questioned by police over the alleged abduction of Cleo Smith was an overweight loner, described as an “oddball”, who lived most of his life in WA’s Coral Coast district but was not seen as belonging to any community.

Even the local Aboriginal community did not really mix with him more than a wave and a hi or to share a smoke.

The 36-year old reportedly had an “aunty” in the shire but lived alone and kept largely to himself with his dog as daily company.

Cleo Smith’s alleged abductor in the back of an ambulance with police. Picture Simon Hydzik/7NEWS

He was known to police but not for the type of offences that brought him to notice as part of the Cleo Smith investigation.

The alleged abductor was unemployed but had done odd jobs about the town of Carnarvon, where the four-year-old was rescued on Wednesday.

This work included construction.

Cleo Smith with her mother Ellie and step-father Jake Gliddon in Carnarvon. Picture: Colin Murty

There are reports the man bashed his head into the police cells wall in frustration.

He was taken to hospital in Carnarvon twice on Wednesday and Thursday with self-inflicted injuries, although they were not considered serious.

“We know that he’s self-harmed while in custody, he’s been to hospital, he’s been treated for that,” Detective Superintendent Rod Wilde said.

“So he’s back here now and the team are speaking to him again.”

Superintendent Wilde urged the public to refrain from speculating about the case on social media, despite the fascination and national interest.

“Please don’t speculate, don’t get on Facebook, type in wild theories, there’s been a lot of it through this investigation … we see that it’s untrue. It can damage people,” he said.

Originally published as Cleo Smith’s alleged abductor: What we know