‘I watched helplessly as Jaycee was taken but I have been a suspect all this time’

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Although Mr Probyn chased after the car on his mountain bike, he was not fast enough and was helpless as the grey car sped into the distance in the town of Meyers, near South Lake Tahoe, southern California. But from the moment he reported the kidnapping to the police, it was he who fell under suspicion.

It was a dark cloud which stayed above him for 18 years. It led to the break-up of his marriage to Jaycee's mother, Terry, and was only lifted on Wednesday when he heard the astonishing news his stepdaughter was still alive.

He endured interrogations from police and FBI agents and the gossip of millions as the case received national coverage and featured on television's "America's Most Wanted." Mr Probyn, 60, said: "It broke my marriage up. I've gone through hell."

Mr Probyn, a wallpaper contractor who still lives in southern California, said his wife had been devastated by the kidnapping.

Stepfather: Carl Probyn

He added: "Personally, I had given up hope."

He learnt the good news when their other daughter, Shayna, just one year old at the time of the abduction, telephoned him and said: "Mum has something to say to you. Are you sitting down?" His wife then told him: "They found Jaycee. She is alive."

Mr Probyn said: "To have this happen where we get her back alive, and where she remembers things from the past, and to have people in custody is a triple win."

He says he still has "a million unanswered questions".

"I don't know if she was brainwashed, I don't know if she was walking around on the street, I don't know if she was locked up under key for 18 years, I have no idea." But he added: "It sounds like she is okay."