New photos show Cleo Smith ‘enjoying life’ in rare update

Almost three years after Cleo Smith’s disappearance and dramatic rescue gripped the nation, the now 7-year-old has been seen enjoying life in a rare update.

Cleo disappeared from the tent she was sleeping in with her parents at the Blowholes campsite in Macleod, north of Carnarvon, on October 16, 2021, police found the four-year-old alive in a locked house in Carnarvon at approximately 1am, November 3, 2021, 18 days after she went missing.

Now, her family has offered a rare insight into how young Cleo has been coping since the harrowing ordeal. In a series of images shared to 60 Minutes Cleo appears to be “thriving and happy” as she enjoys time with her family.

“Cleo Smith, all grown up! The 7-year-old is enjoying life in Western Australia, loving school and being a big sister to Isla,” a caption alongside the images read.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 60 Minutes Australia (@60minutes9)

Members of the public were overjoyed to see young Cleo doing so well, many taking to social media to wish her all the best.

“Omg she’s 7 now?? I swear she was still only 4 yesterday, happy birthday cleo,” one wrote.

“Oh wow time guys flies on by she looks like she is thriving and happy.”

“Great to see the whole family happy,” commented another.

“Bless your heart, so glad you are living your best life.”

News of Cleo’s disappearance and eventual discovery by hardworking police gripped the public’s attention across the globe.

When the announcement of her rescue came, a wave of relief swept through the community. The collective concern that had gripped the public was quickly replaced by joy and gratitude, as the news of her safe return offered a heartening conclusion to a tense chapter.

Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch was the first to deliver the good news, confirming in a statement that Cleo was found “alive and well” following her dramatic rescue.

“It’s my privilege to announce that in the early hours of this morning the Western Australia Police Force rescued Cleo Smith,” he said at the time.

“This is the outcome we all hoped and prayed for.”

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, Terence Darrell Kelly was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison for kidnapping Cleo, having pleaded guilty to ‘forcibly taking a child under 16’ during a hearing in the Carnarvon Magistrates Court on January 24, 2022.