The family of a murdered Bristol toddler in Australia will feel a "kick in the guts" after a decision was made not to appeal against a ruling that a confession was inadmissible in court.

Three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer disappeared from an Australian beach in 1970, just a year after her family moved from Knowle.

A man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was due to stand trial this month accused of murdering the toddler more than 50 years ago.

But state attorney general Mark Speakman said it was "probably the end of the road for any prosecution" for the killing of the three-year-old.

"I know this is a kick in the guts for the Grimmer family," Mr Speakman said.

"They have searched for justice for Cheryl for almost 50 years, but unfortunately I cannot help them in that search for justice."

(Image: NSWPolice)

A year after she disappeared from a beach in 1970, a 17-year-old boy claimed to have murdered her during a police interview, although investigators did not have enough evidence to support his confession and he was not charged.

The case was reopened in 2016 and a suspect, who was granted anonymity due to his age at the time of the alleged killing, was arrested and charged in 2017.

The New South Wales Supreme Court then ruled the original police interview was inadmissible, and the state's Attorney General said he would not appeal against this decision on Friday.

Mr Speakman said: "I can't bring an appeal which is doomed to fail.

"Unless there is any fresh and compelling evidence, this is probably the end of the road for any prosecution."

He said advice had been sought from the crown advocate and discussions held with the director of public prosecutions.

"Today, I have told members of Cheryl's family that I have concluded that any appeal against the Supreme Court's decision will fail and that I will not be bringing any appeal," he said.

"I am sorry for the further distress this will bring to Cheryl's family, who seek justice for her.

"I am sorry that today I am unable to help end that search."

The interview of the boy took place in 1971 without a parent, other adult or lawyer present.

While not a legal requirement at the time, it would be deemed unfair under newer laws a court heard.

Justice Robert Hulme ruled the interview was inadmissible as evidence in February.

Following this, the prosecution opted not to appeal and dropped the murder charge citing a lack of evidence.

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One of four children, Cheryl and her family emigrated from Knowleto Australia in 1969 and they lived at a hostel near Fairy Meadow Beach, 40 miles south of Sydney.

A major search took place after she went missing, but her body was never found.