An 18-year-old male has been accused of abducting a 17-year-old girl from outside her school with the intent to marry her against her will. The accused, Ayom Deng, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday after his arrest the same morning.
Deng was apprehended in Melbourne's west around 10 a.m. in connection with an incident that occurred last Friday morning near Keysborough Secondary College in Springvale South. According to police, the 17-year-old girl was approaching the school at approximately 8:30 a.m. when she was allegedly approached by a male, forced into a vehicle, and driven away.
Deng, who was reportedly on bail at the time of the alleged abduction, is accused of driving the vehicle. He faces charges including abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and committing an indictable offense while on bail.
Court documents released Thursday detail five alleged offenses. These include abducting the girl "with intent on marrying... without her consent," unlawfully imprisoning her, and detaining her "against her will." Deng is also charged with driving without a license or permit.
Deng's defense lawyer stated that his client has been diagnosed with PTSD, has prior custody experience, and is vulnerable due to his age and appearance. He did not apply for bail and was remanded into custody. His next court appearance for a committal mention is scheduled for September 23.
The Victorian Department of Education confirmed it is providing support to the girl's family and others within the school community affected by the incident. Wellbeing supports were offered to those who may have required them.