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Cleo smith search: Parents Ellie Smith and Jake Gliddon target of sickening online trolls

John Flint, Brianna Dugan and Ailish DelaneyThe West Australian
VideoPrime Minister Scott Morrison says Australian Federal Police are using secret technology and tactics to find missing four-year-old Cleo Smith

The anguished parents of Cleo Smith are having to contend with callous abuse on Facebook from online trolls, even though police say they are not suspects in her disappearance.

Police have been at pains to stress Cleo’s mother Ellie Smith and stepfather Jake Gliddon have been assisting detectives.

The comments on Ms Smith’s Facebook and Instagram have been overwhelmingly sympathetic and supportive of her, sharing love, concern and prayers for her four-year-old daughter’s safe return.

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But the distressed couple have been subject of abuse on Mr Gliddon’s Facebook account. Despite others reporting the comments — some of which are three and four days old — to Facebook, they have not been taken down.

Ellie Smith and Jake Gliddon, the mother and stepfather of missing Cleo Smith.
Camera IconEllie Smith and Jake Gliddon, the mother and stepfather of missing Cleo Smith. Credit: FLASHPOINT/FLASHPOINT

A friend of the family, who did not want to be named, said the insensitive and hurtful posts were an “utter disgrace”.

“Most of the Facebook comments are being made by parents themselves and I think that’s disgusting,” he said.

“Just imagine if it happened to them and they had to read all these horrible comments during undoubtedly the hardest time of their lives.

“The police have cleared Jake and Ellie from being suspects. I have known them for years and I can tell you they are the best people I know and my heart aches for them.

Missing girl Cleo Smith.
Camera IconMissing girl Cleo Smith. Credit: Facebook

“They did not have anything to do with this and those sitting behind their keyboards should just leave this poor family alone.

“There is no right way to act when your child is stolen from you,” the friend added, addressing those who’ve jumped to conclusions based on the couple’s demeanour in media appearances. He said they had no “investigative experience” and were causing great hurt.

Carnarvon resident Gwen Cinch lives next door to Mr Gliddon and Ms Smith, and described them as “lovely people” who kept to themselves but were always friendly to chat to over the fence.

“They’re wonderful parents and great neighbours,” she said.

And another neighbour who works with Mr Gliddon described the Rio Tinto employee as a “great guy”.

Detectives visit the Blowholes Campsite in Point Quobba.
Camera IconDetectives visit the Blowholes Campsite in Point Quobba. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Acting Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the work undertaken at the couple’s home was routine. “The parents have been nothing but helpful,” Mr Blanch said. “We’ve worked very closely with them. They’ve let us into their home, they’ve let us into their cars, their phones, everything.”

He explained that in all such investigations police had to rule out all those who were in the vicinity. Just because they visited someone’s house or removed items, it didn’t warrant wild speculation.

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