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 highlights the dangers of hitchhiking but also raises questions about the involvement of the infamous Ivan Milat.
Mr. Clark's account began in the mid-1970s when, as a teenager, he and a friend decided to hitchhike to Wollongong to catch a movie after missing a bus. As they walked along the road, a car stopped for them, and the driver offered to take them further than their intended destination. Mr. Clark's recollection of the driver's behavior was unsettling, noting his speeding and the way he asked intrusive questions.
The turning point came when the car was pulled over by police for speeding. Mr. Clark's insight into the situation was crucial, as he noticed the driver's reaction to the police officer's questions. The driver, who was later identified as Ivan Milat, revealed himself to be a serial killer, responsible for the abduction, assault, and murder of five foreign backpackers and two Australian tourists between 1989 and 1992.
What makes Mr. Clark's story even more remarkable is the timing of his encounter. Just three or four years after his near-miss, a young woman named Kay Docherty, who was hitchhiking on the same road, disappeared and was never found. The coincidence of these events has led Mr. Clark to question whether Milat was indeed the same driver he encountered.
The submission of Mr. Clark's story to a state parliamentary inquiry into unsolved murders and missing persons cases is a powerful reminder of the ongoing impact of Milat's crimes. The inquiry, chaired by MP Jeremy Buckingham, has received a vast amount of material, including scores of stories from people who were picked up or reported assaults or near-misses that were later linked to Milat.
The investigation is also examining other cold cases, including the disappearance of Cheryl Grimmer from Wollongong in 1970, and hearing broader concerns about missing women around Newcastle and Sydney during that period. The inquiry aims to provide a platform for families to share their experiences and seek justice, as many have felt let down by the police and the judiciary system.
As the inquiry continues, Mr. Clark's story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hitchhiking and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. It also highlights the chilling reality that Milat's crimes may have extended beyond the known cases, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and a lasting impact on the community.
