'We feared for our grandson' - Daniel Morcombe tragedy
Woman's Day Australia|April 03, 2023
Twenty years after their son's death, the Morcombes' grandchild has been targeted
'We feared for our grandson' - Daniel Morcombe tragedy

For decades, Bruce and Denise Morcombe have been committed to ensuring the safety of every child in Australia after the shocking abduction and death of their 13-year-old son Daniel.

So it was a huge shock to the Queensland parents when they recently discovered their six-year-old grandson was approached online by an apparent paedophile.

"If it can happen to us, I can absolutely guarantee it's happening hundreds, if not thousands, of times, every single day," Bruce, 64, tells Woman's Day. "We were shocked it was on our front doorstep. You always think that will never happen to us but here you go."

The Morcombes realised something was amiss when they were driving with their grandson Winston - the son of Daniel's twin brother Brad when he mentioned receiving messages from someone who said they knew him and offering to improve his skills on Roblox, a popular children's game.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S DAY AUSTRALIAView all
ANNA SAMSON 'MURDER'S ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME'
Woman's Day Australia

ANNA SAMSON 'MURDER'S ALWAYS INTRIGUED ME'

We hit the set of the sunny spin-off to Death In Paradise and meet the cast!

time-read
2 mins  |
September 16, 2024
5 minutes With...ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH
Woman's Day Australia

5 minutes With...ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH

His No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series has a new instalment

time-read
2 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Rolling the DICE
Woman's Day Australia

Rolling the DICE

Hobart's iconic Wrest Point Hotel Casino is looking better than ever

time-read
2 mins  |
September 16, 2024
UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE
Woman's Day Australia

UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE

Quality of life is at the forefront of this approach

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
OUR TOWN'S A MOVIE STAR!
Woman's Day Australia

OUR TOWN'S A MOVIE STAR!

When Runt arrived in town, locals couldn't wait to play a part!

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
ANNA HEINRICH 'I LOVE BEING A GIRL MUM!'
Woman's Day Australia

ANNA HEINRICH 'I LOVE BEING A GIRL MUM!'

The mum-of-two speaks with affection about her daughters

time-read
2 mins  |
September 16, 2024
KEITH TELLS NICOLE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT LEADING MAN!'
Woman's Day Australia

KEITH TELLS NICOLE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT LEADING MAN!'

He's sick of playing second fiddle to a string of hunky co-stars

time-read
2 mins  |
September 16, 2024
GUY TAKES A STAND 'I WANT JESS BACK!
Woman's Day Australia

GUY TAKES A STAND 'I WANT JESS BACK!

The Voice Australia gets an ultimatum from its number-one coach Guy Sebastian

time-read
2 mins  |
September 16, 2024
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Woman's Day Australia

THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!

Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
ED SHEERAN'S SHOCK FAMILY FEUD
Woman's Day Australia

ED SHEERAN'S SHOCK FAMILY FEUD

He's often seen as one of the nicest guys in music, but Ed Sheeran's cousin has exposed their secret feud - and claimed that Ed has even made legal threats against him!

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024