Police allege the 17-year-old was forced into a vehicle near Keysborough Secondary College.
MELBOURNE, Australia — An 18-year-old man has been charged after police alleged a 17-year-old girl was abducted outside a Melbourne school last week and forced into a vehicle during the morning school arrival period.
Ayom Deng, 18, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 1, after his arrest earlier that day. Police allege the girl was entering Keysborough Secondary College on Janine Road about 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 26, when she was approached and forced into a waiting vehicle. Authorities said the people involved were known to one another.
Deng has been charged with abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment and committing an indictable offense while on bail. Court documents also allege the abduction was carried out with the intent of marrying the girl without her consent. He also is accused of driving without a license or permit. The charges remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
Police allege a 15-year-old boy approached the girl as she was entering the school and forced her into the vehicle, which then left the area. Officers later found the girl, and she was taken to a hospital. Officials have not publicly released details about her injuries or the length of time she was allegedly held.
The 15-year-old boy was arrested about midday Friday, June 27, in Tarneit and charged with abduction. He is expected to appear in a children’s court at a later date. Deng, who police allege was driving the vehicle, was arrested at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, before appearing in court later the same day.
During Deng’s court appearance, his lawyer said Deng had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and argued he could be vulnerable in custody because of his age and appearance. The court also heard it was not Deng’s first time in custody. Deng did not apply for bail and was remanded.
Keysborough Secondary College is in Melbourne’s southeast, near Springvale South and Keysborough. The alleged abduction happened during a busy morning period outside the school, when students were arriving for classes. Police have not announced any additional arrests, and officials have not released further details about the relationship between the girl and the accused.
Deng is scheduled to return to court in September. The 15-year-old’s case is expected to proceed separately in children’s court. Investigators have not said whether more charges are possible.