A 64-year-old man with connections to Pauline Sowry was arrested in Gwynneville. Photo: NSW Police.
UPDATE, 5 pm – A man has been charged with two offences as part of the investigation into the alleged suspicious disappearance of Pauline Sowry more than 30 years ago.
A 64-year-old man was arrested earlier today (Thursday, 29 May) and interviewed at Wollongong Police Station.
He’s since been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and conceal serious indictable offence.
The man’s been refused bail to appear in Wollongong Local Court tomorrow (Friday, 30 May).
A 64-year-old man was questioned by detectives at Wollongong Police Station. Photo: NSW Police.
29 May, 11:45 am – A 64-year-old man is in police custody as part of the investigation into the alleged suspicious disappearance of Wollongong mother, Pauline Sowry, more than three decades ago.
The man was arrested at a Gwynneville apartment on Murphy’s Avenue at 8:30 am today (29 May) and is being interviewed at Wollongong Police Station.
Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar confirmed this man had a connection to Pauline in the past, but could not divulge any more information about him.
“I can clearly say the reason for his arrest is specifically in relation to the suspected disappearance of Pauline, and the fact that he has been put under arrest and is currently involved in an interview would suggest he is a significant person that can certainly assist us with this inquiry,” he said.
“It is a current investigation, even after whatever transpires after today’s interview, I would expect there will be continued investigation until we can … locate Pauline and to see if there are any other suspects or any other pieces of evidence that we need to try and locate.
“It is early days.”
It’s unknown if charges will be laid.
The last confirmed sighting of Pauline Sowry, also known as Pauline Lawrence by marriage, was by family in the northern suburbs of Wollongong in December, 1993.
She was 49 years old.
A coronial inquest in 2008 found that Pauline had died, most likely after an unconfirmed sighting in 1994.
Strike Force Athena was established in 2022 to re-examine the circumstances surrounding Pauline’s disappearance. A $500,000 reward for information was announced by NSW Police in March, 2024.
This resulted in a tip-off that Pauline had been seen in a vehicle similar to a 1968 Holden HK Kingswood sedan in south Wollongong around the time of her disappearance.
Extensive bushland searches were also conducted in October, 2024, at a Figtree escarpment as a result of extra tip-offs.
This led to the discovery and seizure of clothing police believed could be connected to Pauline’s disappearance.
Pauline’s son, Jason Lawrence, said his family had waited more than 30 years to hear today’s news.
“We welcome today’s news that a person has been arrested in relation to the suspicious disappearance of our beloved mum,” he said.
“We miss her every day and her disappearance has taken a huge toll on myself and our entire family.
“We thank the police officers for never giving up hope and we look forward to the outcome of this investigation.”
Pauline Sowry (pictured with her son, Jason) has been missing since 1993. Photo: NSW Police.
Asst Comm Cassar described the situation as “bittersweet” for police and Pauline’s family.
“[The family] has some degree of resolution, but it doesn’t dissolve the hurt that they endure every single day, of not having a loved one, their mother, with them,” he said.
“During last year’s renewed appeal for information, I made a promise that the NSW Police would leave no stone unturned to seek a resolution, and the persistence and effort by my officers has resulted in today’s arrest.
“I commend the tireless commitment of our officers in finding answers for Pauline’s family and they continue to work hard to bring this matter before the courts.”
Pauline’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Region Illawarra.
