The family of a British toddler, Cheryl Grimmer, who disappeared from an Australian beach 56 years ago, has received encouraging news in the case. Sally Dowling, the Director of Public Prosecutions in New South Wales, has reached out to Cheryl’s relatives, sparking optimism that the case may be reopened. Paul, Cheryl’s brother, expressed hope, stating, “It’s looking positive, we are staying resilient, despite the ongoing emotional turmoil.”
The case revolves around the confession of a man known as “Mercury” who confessed to killing Cheryl. However, the courts later deemed this confession inadmissible due to legal constraints.
Dowling has indicated that she could reconsider the case based on the evidence available in 2019 when “Mercury” was acquitted or on any new evidence provided by the family. In a letter to the Grimmers, Dowling mentioned, “I also acknowledge the fresh information provided by potential witnesses which you believe may be pertinent.”
Paul emphasized the importance of focusing on Cheryl rather than the suspect, stating, “We are certain of his guilt, the courts are aware, and the justice system acknowledges it.” He revealed that letters have been prepared, and Chief Inspector David Laidlaw from NSW Police possesses the relevant documentation.
“We are giving him three months to address this before the inquiry commences. The DPP awaits the police response, necessitating prompt action,” Paul added.
Mercury, who was 17 when he confessed, made his statement without legal representation, leading to its exclusion from court proceedings. Cheryl, aged three, vanished from Fairy Meadow Beach in 1970 while swimming with her family.
A year later, a teenager admitted to taking Cheryl, leading to her disappearance. However, the confession remained undisclosed for fifty years until a cold case review unearthed it, resulting in the arrest of a Victorian taxi driver in 2017.
The prosecution was abruptly terminated two years later when a judge declared Mercury’s confession inadmissible due to the absence of a parent during the confession. Consequently, the ODPP dropped the charge, anticipating a failed case.
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