Qld: Distraught uncle appeals for 13-yr-old girl's return

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2007
Qld: Distraught uncle appeals for 13-yr-old girl's return

By Nikki Todd

BRISBANE, Aug 18 AAP - The distraught family of a 13-year-old Brisbane girl missing
since early yesterday have appealed for her to return home amid fears she may have disappeared
with her older brother-in-law.

Jessica Kathleen Dunstan was last seen when her uncle, Vaughan Nilsson, dropped her
off at Ferny Grove State Primary School at about 8.30am (AEST) yesterday.

The ponytailed teen did not attend school.

Police believe the teenager may be with her sister's husband, Tony Page, 32.

Mr Page was last seen in the Brisbane CBD at about 8am (AEST) yesterday.

Jessica's distraught uncle said today the family was struggling to cope with her disappearance.

"I'd like to ask Tony or Jessica to get in touch with us, please," a shaken Mr Nilsson said.

"(We are) upset, quite miserable at the moment."

He said the family had endured a harrowing few months, including the death of Jessica's
mother two months ago after a fight with diabetes.

Jessica was orphaned by her mother's death and had been in the care of her uncle and
aunt for the 10 days before she disappeared.

"She's had a lot to deal with," Mr Nilsson said.

Mr Nilsson said Jessica knew Mr Page well, as he had been married to her 23-year-old
sister for several years.

He said their marriage was sound, with Mrs Page currently expecting their third child.

"The whole thing is unusual, this whole thing is beyond me," Mr Nilsson said.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Theresa Downey said police would question staff and
students at Jessica's school over the weekend.

She said it was not confirmed that Jessica and Mr Page were together, but both had
been missing for almost two days.

"There is no information that Tony has gone to the school. However, both persons have
been reported missing," Snr Sgt Downey said.

"We haven't been able to confirm that they are together at this stage, just indications
are that they may be."

Snr Sgt Downey said it was unclear whether Jessica and Mr Page were involved in a relationship.

Anyone who has seen Jessica is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Jessica is described as Caucasian, 165cm tall, of slim build with a fair complexion,
blue eyes and long brown hair worn in a ponytail.

She was last seen wearing her blue and yellow school uniform.

Police have appealed for the public to look out for Mr Page's car, a blue 1994 Mitsubishi
Magna registered in Queensland with the number plate 847-KGS.

AAP nt/jl/mn

KEYWORD: MISSING (PIX AVAILABLE)

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