Date set for confessed Cleo Smith abductor sentencing

The man who admitted to abducting four-year-old Cleo Smith will learn his fate in Western Australia’s District Court.

A date has finally been set for the sentencing of a man who admitted to kidnapping four-year-old Cleo Smith, whose 18-day disappearance gripped the state of Western Australia.

Terrence Kelly was arrested on November 3, 2021, following Cleo’s abduction from her family’s campsite north of the holiday town of Carnarvon on October 16.

The 37-year-old subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of forcibly taking a child and will now face sentencing on April 5 before WA District Court Chief Judge Julie Wager.

It’s likely Mr Kelly will appear in court in person.

Cleo Smith being carried by her mother Ellie shortly after her release from hospital following her 18-day ordeal. Picture: Tamati Smith/Getty Images

The court is also expected to hear more about the ongoing trauma suffered by Cleo and her parents in victim impact statements.

It’s understood Mr Kelly had an obsession with dolls, was an avid collector of Bratz dolls, and Cleo’s mother Ellie had previously said she believed the abduction was a way to turn her daughter into a “living doll” of sorts.

A heavily fortified van used to transport Terrence Kelly on his arrival in Perth following his arrest. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sharon Smith

Mr Kelly was in January fined $1000 over a charge of obstructing police, relating to an incident while he was being held in custody at Carnarvon Police Station on November 4, 2021.

It was about 9pm when Mr Kelly was being escorted outside the police station to smoke.

On his way back to a holding cell, he pushed past officers, ran into a room, and armed himself with a riot shield, hitting officers on the hands before he was restrained.

Originally published as Date set for confessed Cleo Smith abductor sentencing