A teenage boy has appeared in court after he allegedly kidnapped a 17-year-old girl outside her school with the intention of “marrying” her against her will,” according to numerous local outlets.
Ayom Deng, 18, was arrested by police at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 1, and appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court later that same day, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Police told the outlets that a 17-year-old girl was entering Keysborough Secondary College in Melbourne on Friday, June 26, when she was approached by a male at around 8:30 a.m.
He reportedly forced her into a vehicle and then fled the scene.
Deng, who was on bail at the time, is alleged to have been driving the vehicle.
He was charged with abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail, according to the outlets.
Police have charged Deng with abducting the teenage girl “with the intent of marrying … without her consent,” according to a charge sheet released by the court and reported by the Australian news outlets.
The documents said Deng was also charged with detaining her “against her will”.
The 18-year-old is also accused of driving on a highway without a driver’s licence or permit, according to ABC.
His defense lawyer said that Deng had been diagnosed with PTSD and that he was vulnerable due to his age and appearance. He said it was not Deng’s first time in custody.
Deng did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. He will next appear in court in September.
A 15-year-old boy was also charged with abduction and will appear in a children’s court at a later date.