The brother of Cheryl Grimmer, a three-year-old British girl abducted in Australia over 50 years ago, has called for justice as a parliamentary inquiry into missing persons cases begins in Sydney. Paul Grimmer, speaking to the Mirror during a visit to London, said: “We just want justice for my little sister.”
Cheryl vanished from Fairy Meadow beach near Sydney in 1970, shortly after her family moved from Bristol. Despite a massive search, her body was never found. A 17-year-old, identified only as “Mercury,” confessed to killing her but was never charged due to a legal technicality—no lawyer or adult was present during his interview. He remains free in Australia and has denied responsibility.
Paul, his wife Linda, and cousin Michael Grimmer expressed anger that the confessed killer walks free. They will address the inquiry, which examines police handling of missing person cases. Linda described the ordeal as “challenging and hard for the family,” adding: “We just all want justice.”
Michael Grimmer criticised authorities for failing to act on the confession, saying: “Never again should a detailed confession be hidden in police records for decades, with the victim’s family not told of its existence.” He called for accountability and change to prevent other families from suffering similarly.
The inquiry, starting Wednesday in Sydney, will consider recommendations from the family, who hope for legal reforms. Paul said: “We will be reading our impact statements—and how it has affected us and why we believe there should be changes in the law.”
