A Melbourne teenager has been accused of abducting a 17‑year‑old girl near a school with the alleged intention of marrying her without her consent, according to court documents released after his first appearance in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Ayom Deng, 18, was arrested in Melbourne’s west around 10am on Wednesday, five days after the alleged incident in the city’s south‑east. Police say the girl was approaching the school at about 8:30am on Friday when a man allegedly forced her into a vehicle and fled. Deng, who was already on bail at the time, is accused of being the driver.
He faced court late Wednesday charged with abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment and committing an indictable offence while on bail. His defence lawyer told the court Deng had diagnosed PTSD, had previously been in custody, and was vulnerable due to his age and appearance.
Deng did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to return to court for a committal mention on September 23.
Charge sheets released Thursday outline five offences, including an allegation that Deng abducted the girl “with intent on marrying … without her consent.” He is also accused of unlawfully imprisoning her and detaining her “against her will,” according to the documents.
The case has raised serious concerns about coercion, consent and the safety of young people near school precincts as police continue their investigation.
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