Cleo abductor linked to new alleged kidnapping

A man charged with kidnapping a nine-year-old girl from a park and indecently dealing with her is reportedly the stepbrother of the abductor of Cleo Smith.

A man charged with kidnapping a nine-year-old girl from a park and indecently dealing with her has been linked to Cleo Smith’s abductor. Image: WA Police

A man charged with kidnapping a nine-year-old girl from a park and indecently dealing with her is understood to be related to Cleo Smith’s abductor, Terence Kelly.

Cleo was just four-years-old when she was taken from a WA campground in October last year and held for 18 days by Mr Kelly.

According to reports, Mr Kelly is the stepbrother of newly accused abductor, 39-year-old Ashley James Bropho.

Police allege Mr Bropho approached a young girl while she was playing at a park in Perth’s Doubleview at about 10.30am on Tuesday.

“(He) coerced her to a nearby residence, where he indecently dealt with her,” police alleged in a statement.

“The girl was able to leave the house and alert family members of the incident.”

Soon after, officers swarmed Mr Bropho’s home and he was taken into custody.

A man charged with kidnapping a nine-year-old girl from a park and indecently dealing with her has been linked to Cleo Smith’s abductor. Picture: WA Police

Nine News Perth reported a connection between the men was established during Mr Bropho’s first appearance at Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Terence Kelly plead guilty to abducting Cleo Smith from a remote WA campground.

Mr Bropho was charged with kidnapping, procuring or encouraging a child to engage in sexual behaviour, and two counts of indecent dealing with a child.

He faced Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, with police prosecutors opposing bail.

The magistrate said a report would need to be ordered before he could make a decision on bail.

Mr Bropho was remanded in custody and will face court again on July 27.