Cleo Smith’s parents release an emotional statement thanking police and the ‘love and support’ of Australians after the incredible rescue of their four-year-old daughter
- Cleo Smith’s family released a heart-warming statement on Friday evening
- They thanked WA police, the Carnarvon community, admitted being ‘humbled’
- She is with mum Ellie and step-dad Jake in Carnarvon after being rescued
- Cleo’s alleged abductor Terry Kelly, 36, awaits his next court date in December
Cleo Smith‘s family have thanked police and acknowledged ‘love and support’ received from across Australia in an emotional statement after the four-year-old’s incredible rescue.
Her mother Ellie Smith and stepfather Jake Gliddon said they were ‘humbled’ by the public response to Cleo’s disappearance 18 days ago and the amazing discovery of the little girl in a locked Carnarvon house in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The heart-warming statement added that Cleo’s parents are ‘so thankful that our little girl is back within our arms’.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the rescue of our daughter Cleo Smith,’ the couple said in a statement on Friday evening.
Cleo Smith ‘s family thanked police and noted the ‘love and support’ they have received from across Australia in statement after the four-year-old’s incredible rescue. Pictured are Cleo with her mum Ellie Smith and step-dad Jake Gliddon
Cleo Smith’s parents have admitted they are ‘humbled’ and happy that their family is ‘whole again’. She is pictured being carried inside by her mother Ellie after her rescue
‘In particular, we would like to thank WA Police, all those involved in the initial search, the Carnarvon community, local businesses and of course our family and friends.
‘We are humbled by the love and support that we have received from not only our local community but the whole of Western Australia and across the country.
‘We are so thankful that our little girl is back within our arms and our family is whole again.
A safe and happy Cleo Smith cuddles her step-father Jake Gliddon at home
‘As we try to get on with our lives, we ask that you respect our privacy.’
Meanwhile the man accused of abducting Cleo winked as he boarded a plane in shackles to fly to Perth where he will remain in jail until his next court appearance.
Terence Darrell Kelly was transferred from his padded cell in Carnarvon to a Western Australia Police plane under heavy guard on Friday morning.
The 36-year-old is accused of kidnapping Cleo from a tent she was sharing with her mum, stepdad and younger sister, Isla at the Blowholes campsite on October 16.
Cleo waves from hospital after her incredible rescue by WA police on Wednesday morning
Cleo’s mum said ‘we are so thankful that our little girl is back within our arms’
Detectives, acting off a tip and extensive policework, broke down a locked door inside his home in Tonkin Crescent in Brockman, WA, where they found Cleo in a well lit room playing with toys.
Dramatic pictures taken as Kelly was loaded into the police plane show the prisoner barefoot and shackled from hand to foot.
As he stepped on the plane, a charter Cessna 441, he appeared to wink at photographers.
At least four special operations officers escorted him onto the waiting plane, which is expected to fly him directly to Perth where he’ll wait in a maximum security prison until his next court appearance in December.
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