The family of a British toddler who vanished in Australia more than three decades ago has demanded justice as a new cold case investigation gets under way. The case, which has haunted two continents, centres on the disappearance of two-year-old Benji Richards from a caravan park in New South Wales in 1992.
Benji’s mother, Claire Richards, now in her sixties, told reporters from her home in Manchester that the family had been “waiting for this moment for 33 years.” She added: “We have never given up hope that one day we would know what happened to our little boy. This new probe is our last chance.”
New South Wales Police confirmed this week that they had reopened the case, citing advances in forensic technology and fresh witness testimony. Detective Superintendent Mark Holloway said: “We believe there are people out there who hold the key to this mystery. It is never too late to come forward.”
Benji was last seen playing near the swimming pool of a holiday park on the outskirts of Byron Bay on the afternoon of 14 January 1992. His mother had turned away for just a few moments to help his younger sister. When she looked back, Benji was gone.
A massive search operation followed, involving hundreds of volunteers and police divers, but no trace of the boy was ever found. The case quickly went cold, but the Richards family never stopped campaigning for answers. They have made repeated trips to Australia, pleading for information, and have maintained a website dedicated to finding Benji.
The family’s solicitor, Adrian Ford, said: “This has been a living hell for Claire and her family. They have had to endure not only the loss of a child but the agonising uncertainty of not knowing what happened. The new investigation is a ray of hope, but it must be thorough and transparent.”
Police have declined to comment on specific leads, but sources suggest they are focusing on a former employee of the caravan park who was questioned at the time but never charged. The man, now in his sixties, is believed to be living in Queensland. He has denied any involvement.
Benji’s case is one of a number of cold cases being re-examined by Australian police using new DNA techniques. In 2023, a similar investigation led to the conviction of a man for the murder of a eight-year-old girl in Victoria, a crime that had gone unsolved for 40 years.
For the Richards family, the wait has taken a heavy toll. Claire Richards says she has spent thousands of pounds on private investigators and legal fees, and has seen her health suffer. “But I will not stop until I know the truth,” she said. “Benji deserves that. I owe it to him.”
The British consulate in Sydney has offered support, and the Foreign Office said it was “closely monitoring” the investigation.
As the cold case probe begins, the Richards family has one message for the public: “If you know something, no matter how small, please tell the police. It could be the clue that finally brings Benji home.”
