Canberra man charged with kidnapping and assault

A 27-year-old man has appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court facing kidnapping and assault charges following a violent incident in Canberra. Police allege the defendant became violent at his Dunlop home on October 10 after demanding cash he claimed had been stolen.

The defendant allegedly prevented the victim from leaving and subjected him to a prolonged period of violence, including being struck with a weapon, resulting in facial fractures, cuts, and bruising. It is further alleged the victim was forced to consume a liquid that impaired his consciousness.

On the evening of October 11, the accused allegedly drove the victim to Queanbeyan, New South Wales, where the assaults continued while being recorded on a mobile phone. The victim was returned to the ACT on Monday, regained consciousness in a parkland area near Lance Hill Avenue, and eventually sought medical assistance. He has since been discharged from the hospital.

The defendant was arrested in Belconnen and has been ordered to undergo a mental health assessment. He has not yet entered pleas to the charges.