In a chilling tale of survival and a chilling reminder of a dark chapter in Australia's history, a man's chance encounter with a speeding ticket has led him to a startling revelation. Steven Clark, a New South Wales resident, has come forward with a story that not only saved his life but also potentially holds a crucial piece of the puzzle in a long-standing mystery. Clark's account, shared with a state parliamentary inquiry into unsolved murders and missing persons cases, reveals a harrowing experience that eerily mirrors the circumstances of another missing person, Kay Docherty.
In 1974 or 1975, Clark, then a teenager, and his friend decided to hitchhike to Wollongong to catch a movie after missing a bus in Warilla. As they walked along the road, a car stopped for them. The driver, who remained anonymous, offered to take them further than their intended destination. But Clark's intuition kicked in, and he sensed something amiss. The driver's behavior, from speeding to his unsettling questions, made Clark feel uncomfortable. The car was eventually pulled over for speeding near Windang, and the police officer inquired about the passengers.
This is where Clark's story takes a life-saving turn. The driver, who Clark now believes to be Ivan Milat, identified himself to the police. Milat's name, partially revealed by the speeding ticket, sent shivers down Clark's spine when he later learned of Milat's notorious crimes. Clark's quick thinking and the police officer's diligence in noting the hitchhikers saved him from a potential encounter with Milat, who was already a serial killer by that time.
The story of Steven Clark's encounter is one of the many submissions received by the inquiry, which is examining the alleged historical links between Milat and long-unresolved missing persons cases. Milat, between 1989 and 1992, abducted, assaulted, and murdered five foreign backpackers and two Australian tourists, dumping their bodies in Belanglo State Forest. He was sentenced to seven consecutive life terms in 1996 and died in prison in 2019.
The inquiry, chaired by MP Jeremy Buckingham, has received a flood of submissions, highlighting the long-standing gaps in the way reports have been recorded and linked. Buckingham emphasizes the clear presence of a serial killer in New South Wales during the 1970s, with scores of stories of people picked up or reporting assaults or near-misses that were later linked to Milat. The inquiry is also exploring other cold cases, including the disappearance of Cheryl Grimmer from Wollongong in 1970 and concerns about missing women around Newcastle and Sydney during that period.
The personal accounts, like Clark's, provide a chilling insight into the potential reach of Milat's crimes. The inquiry aims to provide a platform for families to share their experiences under parliamentary privilege, emphasizing the importance of being heard rather than seeking immediate resolutions. As the inquiry continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of Milat's crimes and the need for justice for the victims and their families.
The coincidence of Clark's encounter and the disappearance of Kay Docherty, who was last seen hitchhiking on the same road, adds a layer of complexity to the case. Docherty's twin, Kevin Docherty, has been tirelessly searching for answers, only to be met with disappointment from both the police and the judiciary system. The inquiry, with its focus on Milat's potential involvement in other cold cases, offers a glimmer of hope for the Docherty family and other families affected by Milat's crimes.
In the shadows of Milat's dark legacy, the inquiry stands as a beacon of justice, shedding light on the past and offering a chance for closure to those who have endured the unimaginable. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, the power of personal accounts, and the enduring quest for truth and justice.
