The story of Ivan Milat's alleged victims continues to captivate and haunt Australia, and now, a new witness has come forward with a chilling tale of a close call. Steven Clark, a New South Wales resident, has shared a harrowing encounter with Milat, which he believes could have ended in tragedy. Clark's account, detailed in a submission to a state parliamentary inquiry, reveals a chilling moment in his youth that could have had dire consequences.
In the mid-1970s, Clark, then a teenager, decided to hitchhike with a friend to catch a movie in Wollongong. As they walked along the road, a car stopped for them, and the driver offered to take them further than their intended destination. Clark's account is both intriguing and deeply unsettling.
The driver, who remained anonymous, exhibited suspicious behavior from the start. He asked intrusive questions, like who knew they were hitchhiking and where they were headed. Clark's intuition told him something was amiss, and his fears were confirmed when the car was pulled over for speeding near Windang. The police officer's questioning of the driver's passengers sent a chill down Clark's spine.
What makes this encounter even more chilling is the realization that the driver was none other than Ivan Milat, the notorious serial killer. Clark's account is a testament to the fact that Milat's victims could have been anyone, and his escape was purely by chance.
The speeding ticket, Clark believes, was a turning point. It not only saved his life but also provided a crucial link to Milat's identity. The driver's behavior changed after the police stop, and he dropped them off as planned. Clark and his friend, unaware of the danger they had narrowly avoided, did not report the incident to their parents, fearing punishment.
This incident, Clark says, has haunted him for years. The memory of Milat's face, his protruding teeth, and mustache have remained etched in his mind. The fact that Milat was caught and brought to justice is a small solace, but it also highlights the tragic fate of his other victims.
The submission of Clark's story to the inquiry is a powerful reminder of the impact of Milat's crimes on the community. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations and the need to address the gaps in the way reports have been recorded and linked, as pointed out by MP Jeremy Buckingham.
As the inquiry continues to delve into the cold cases of missing persons and unsolved murders, it is hoped that justice will be served for the victims and their families. The story of Steven Clark serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows and the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation.
