It has been revealed that William Tyrrell, the little boy who disappeared from his grandmother’s home three years ago, was a foster child in care when he went missing.
UPDATE: William’s biological grandmother, Natalie Collins, has spoken out about the toddler’s removal from his parents and placement in foster care.
“There were rows between my son and (William’s) mother, drinking problems, but not enough for (Family and Community Services) to take William away from them,” she said.
The 57-year-old grandmother explained that her son had been released from prison in March.
William’s disappearance was absolutely devastating for her and her family.
“That little boy was my life, we all adored him, he was a beautiful innocent little boy,” Ms Collins said.
“It’s ripped our family apart, we’ll never be the same now William has gone.
“I think about him every day, and my son does.’’
ORIGINAL:
William was last seen wearing a Spiderman costume in his grandmother’s backyard in Kendall, on the NSW north coast. He was just three years old.
The new details have come to light after statutory restrictions were lifted by a NSW Supreme Court judge, news.com.au reports, and made public by A Current Affair last night.
When lifting the restriction, Supreme court Judge Justice Brereton noted “the tragic probability that [William] is no longer alive,” 7 News reports.
Neither Tyrrell’s biological or foster parents are considered suspects at this stage.
In September 2016, a $1-million reward was offered for anyone who had information on the little boy’s disappearance.
A Current Affair reports that Tyrrell’s biological father allegedly battled drug and alcohol problems and has spent time in jail.
His foster mother is quoted as saying she still has hope William is alive. “If somebody has him, I want him to be feeling loved, I… I want him to be safe, to be looking after him,” she said.
William would have turned six years old in June.
