Man arrested 30 years after disappearance of Illawarra mum Pauline Sowry
A man has been charged over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of an Illawarra mum-of-three more than three decades ago, as her family opened up on the significant break in the case.
NSW
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A man has been charged over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of an Illawarra mum-of-three more than three decades ago, as her family opened up on the significant break in the case.
Pauline Sowry, who was also known by her married name Pauline Lawrence, was last seen by family in Wollongong’s northern suburbs in December 1993.
Despite extensive investigations since then, Pauline’s whereabouts remain unknown.
A coronial inquest in 2008 found the 49-year-old mother-of-three had died, most likely after an unconfirmed sighting in 1994.
At about 8.30am on Thursday, officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended a unit in Murphys Ave, Gywnneville, and arrested a 64-year-old man.
He was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder and concealing a serious indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court on Friday.
Speaking to media on Thursday, Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM said the police believed the man had “previous connections” to Pauline in the past.
“The matter is still subject to an investigation,” Assistant Commissioner Cassar said.
“Even from whatever transpires from today’s interview (with the man), I would expect there will be continued investigations until we can locate Pauline, and to see if there are any other suspects or pieces of evidence we may need to locate.”
“It’s an open investigation.”
Pauline’s son Jason Lawrence has welcomed the news and thanked officers for their dedication to the investigation.
“We welcome today’s news that a person has been arrested in relation to the suspicious disappearance of our beloved mum. We have waited more than 30 years to hear today’s news,” Jason said.
“We miss her every day and her disappearance has taken a huge toll on myself and our entire family.
“We thank the police officers for never giving up hope and we look forward to the outcome of this investigation.”
The arrest comes almost three years after NSW Police established Strike Force Anthea in 2022 in a renewed push to re-examine the circumstances surrounding Pauline’s disappearance.
As part of the strike force investigation, a multi-agency search of the Illawarra escarpment in Figtree was launched in 2023.
In March last year, a $500,000 reward was announced for information relating to the cold case.
Two months later, officers made a public appeal for details about a vehicle they suspected Pauline may have been travelling in around the time of her disappearance.
Police described the vehicle as a white 1968-model Holden HK Kingswood sedan, in ‘pristine’ condition.
The new details sparked a renewed search of the Figtree escarpment, with officers locating and seizing a number of items of clothing last year.
On Thursday, Assitant Commissioner Cassar said the items of clothing were still subject to ongoing forensic testing, adding that items seized during the police search warrant executed this morning would also undergo testing.
Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM commended the work of officers leading to Thursday’s arrest.
“During last year’s renewed appeal for information I made a promise that the NSW Police would leave no stone unturned to seek a resolution, and the persistence and effort by my officers has resulted in today’s arrest,” he said.
“I commend the tireless commitment of our officers in finding answers for Pauline’s family and they continue to work hard to bring this matter before the courts.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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Originally published as Man arrested 30 years after disappearance of Illawarra mum Pauline Sowry
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