Melbourne, Australia: An 18-year-old Melbourne man has been charged with multiple serious offences after police alleged he abducted a 17-year-old girl near her school with the intention of marrying her without her consent.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. on Friday near Keysborough Secondary College in Springvale South, where the teenage girl was reportedly walking into school. Investigators allege the accused approached the girl, forced her into a vehicle, and drove away from the scene.
Following an investigation, police arrested Ayom Deng, 18, in Melbourne’s western suburbs at around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Authorities allege Deng was driving the vehicle used during the incident.Deng appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court later the same day, where he was charged with abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Court documents released after the hearing reveal prosecutors also accused Deng of abducting the teenager with the intent to marry her without her consent. The documents further allege he unlawfully detained the girl against her will.
In addition to the kidnapping-related charges, Deng has also been charged with driving on a highway without holding a valid driver’s licence or permit. During the court hearing, Deng’s defence lawyer told the court that the 18-year-old had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lawyer also argued that Deng was vulnerable because of his age and appearance and noted that this was not his first period in custody.
Deng did not apply for bail during the hearing and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to return to court for a committal mention on September 23.
Police have also charged a 15-year-old boy in connection with the case. The teenager faces an abduction charge and is expected to appear before a children’s court at a later date.
The investigation into the alleged incident remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the condition of the 17-year-old girl or whether further charges may be laid.
If convicted, the accused will face the legal process under Victorian law. At this stage, the allegations remain before the courts, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
