Cleo Smith’s alleged abductor Terence Kelly facing new charge

Cleo Smith’s alleged abductor Terence Kelly facing new charge


The first photo of Cleo after police found her. Picture: Supplied/WA Police Force

The man who allegedly kidnapped four-year-old Cleo Smith will face court this month on a fresh charge.

The man accused of abducting four-year-old Cleo Smith will face court this month on a new charge of assaulting a public officer.

Terence Darrell Kelly, 36, allegedly kidnapped Cleo from her family’s tent at the Quobba Blowholes campsite on October 16 and held her captive at a Carnarvon house until police stormed the property 18 days later.

Mr Kelly remains in custody at Casuarina Prison in Perth and is next scheduled to face Carnarvon Magistrates Court on January 24 charged with offences including forcibly taking a child aged under 16.

Court records also show he has now been charged with assaulting a public officer, although details about the allegation are not known.

Police declined to comment about the charge when asked by NCA NewsWire on Monday.

It is not known whether the charge relates to an alleged assault on a prison or police officer.

After his arrest, police said Mr Kelly self-harmed twice by bashing his head against a wall while in custody and had to be treated in hospital.

Mr Kelly was flown to Perth on a specially chartered flight flanked by officers from the Department of Justice’s special operations group.

He is yet to enter any pleas to the charges and he has not made a bail application either.

Terence Darrell Kelly is facing a new charge. Picture: Colin Murty
Terence Darrell Kelly is facing a new charge.

Detectives barged into Mr Kelly’s house just before 1am on November 3 and found Cleo in a room, playing with a toy.

In a clip released by police, the young girl told officers: “M-my name is Cleo.”

Mr Kelly was arrested after he was stopped in his car not far from his house.

Officers spent days at Mr Kelly’s house, collecting items including a Bratz doll. Some items were also taken to Perth for further testing.

Cleo’s disappearance made headlines around the world, with a special task force established and a $1m reward was on offer to help solve the mystery.

In a statement shortly after Cleo was found, her parents said: “We are so thankful that our little girl is back within our arms and our family is whole again.”