Cleo Smith kidnapper appeals 13-year sentence arguing judge failed to give weight to turbulent upbringing

Terence Kelly’s lawyer claims his culpability is reduced by the extreme neglect he suffered during his own childhood

Terence Darrell Kelly has appealed his sentence for kidnapping four-year-old Cleo Smith from her family’s tent at a remote Western Australian campsite, arguing the sentencing judge failed to give due weight to his turbulent upbringing.

Documents lodged in the WA Court of Appeal this week also state that WA district court chief judge, Julie Wager, erred in finding Kelly was significantly affected by methamphetamine when he stole Smith in October 2021.

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