‘Little champion’: Parents’ update of Cleo Smith three years after abduction

Cleo’s parents have shared a heartwarming update on their daughter Cleo, who was snatched from her sleeping bag in WA three years ago.

Three years ago, Australia watched in fear as police searched tirelessly for missing four-year-old Cleo Smith, who was abducted from a campsite in Western Australia. 

Snatched from her sleeping tent in the early hours of October 16th 2021, Cleo’s abduction made international headlines as police searched high and low for the missing girl, hoping for her safe return to her parents. 

It took 18 days of endless and tireless searching, with police bringing in dogs, horses, helicopters and drones in an effort to locate the missing child. 

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Cleo Smith won her first gymnastic competition. Picture: Facebook

Update on Cleo Smith, three years later

Nearly three weeks after she was first reported missing from her sleeping bag at the WA campsite, police found the 4yo in a home about 70km away from where she disappeared. 

She had been snatched by Terrence Kelly, who was arrested for the kidnapping shortly after locating the 4yo. 

RELATED: Cleo Smith incredibly found 'alive and well' after 18 days

Three years have passed since the terrifying abduction, and Cleo’s parents have provided a heartwarming update about their daughter. 

Little Cleo, who is now seven years old, seems to be adjusting well to life once again, her parents shared with 60 Minutes on Facebook.

Attending her first gymnastics competition, the 7yo Perth girl was awarded a gold medal for her routine on the balance beam. 

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Dubbed a “future Olympian” online, Cleo was all smiles as she posed with her medal and ribbons, later showing off her gymnastic prowess on the balance beam in a video.

The heartwarming update was met by a round of applause from commenters, congratulating her for her incredible efforts. 

“I think the whole of Australia is behind you Cleo…. Well done!” one person said. “Bless her little heart!! Her whole family are the epitome of resilience,” said another. 

One comment read: “Such a beautiful, brave girl who Australia got to know. Glad she is doing so well and you should be so proud of your gymnastics achievement.”

“What a little champion, congratulations Cleo,” said another. “It’s wonderful to see Cleo thriving after her ordeal, bless her. Onwards and upwards, don’t look back!”

RELATED: ‘All grown up’: Photos of Cleo Smith emerge three years after abduction

The 7yo has been hailed as a "little champion". Picture: Facebook

“My name is Cleo”

Terrence Kelly, the man who abducted then 4yo Cleo, was arrested and charged shortly after the child was located on his property, 18 days after she was first reported missing. 

Pleading guilty to abduction, the court was told he tried to tie the 4yo to a chair using sticky tape. She was then tied to the chair after discovering the sticky tape wasn’t working. 

It’s understood Cleo recognised people calling her name on the radio; Kelly reportedly turned up the sound of the radio to down out the sound of her distressed cries and begging for her mum. 

She was kept captive in a room of Kelly’s house, with only a mattress on the floor for sleeping and some toys to keep her occupied; Kelly frequently left the child alone in the house for hours on end while he ran errands.

Neighbours reported the sound of a young girl crying at the time but had no idea it was the missing 4yo. 

When police raided the man’s home in the early hours of the morning, where they found the 4yo sitting in one of the rooms.

One of the officers picked the girl up and held her in his arms before asking for her name. “My name is Cleo,” she told the officer. The search was over; they found the missing 4yo safe and sound. She was reunited with her family shortly after. 

Kelly pleaded guilty to the abduction and was given an 11-year non-parole period. In February, the court was told Kelly had various mental impairments, including a severe personality dysfunction.

His lawyers are challenging the 13-and-a-half-year sentence; the WA Court is yet to release its decision.

Originally published as ‘Little champion’: Parents’ update of Cleo Smith three years after abduction