UPDATE: A mother and her older son are currently on trial in the ACT Supreme Court, accused of kidnapping two teenage boys from their father, who is alleged to have physically abused them. The trial, which began earlier this week, has revealed shocking accounts that highlight the dire circumstances faced by the boys.
The boys, aged 13 and 14, were reportedly taken while walking to school, in violation of a court order that prohibited their mother from unsupervised contact. The pair, whose names have been suppressed by the court, face charges of kidnapping and abduction by joint commission. They have denied all allegations, claiming that the boys left willingly and without coercion.
On August 28, 2023, jurors heard emotional testimony from one of the alleged victims, who described his father as having “tried to kill me several times for the tiniest things.” The father, who obtained full-time custody in 2017, has vehemently denied the accusations of abuse, stating that he only used physical discipline until the boys were around eight years old.
During the opening statements, it was revealed that the accused son met his younger siblings before school and offered them a chance to leave the ACT and live with their mother. The boy testified that he did not feel pressured to go and enjoyed his time with her. However, he also expressed fear that his father would “hurt one of us,” illustrating the psychological impact of the alleged abuse.
Jurors were informed of past incidents where the father reportedly assaulted the boys, including hitting them with a broom and punishing them for minor offenses. One of the boys recounted a specific instance where he had been physically attacked by his father and subsequently ran away, stating, “I told them I didn’t want to go back.”
The trial continues to unfold as the court hears from various witnesses, including the father, who admitted to having used some physical discipline but claimed to have adjusted his parenting style following advice from child protective services.
As the trial progresses, the implications of these allegations raise critical questions about child safety and custody rights. The court is expected to hear more testimonies in the coming days, with the defense aiming to establish that the boys left willingly, while the prosecution seeks to prove the ongoing threat posed by their father.
This case highlights not only the urgent need for protective measures in abusive situations but also the intense emotional turmoil faced by children caught in such circumstances.
Support services are available for anyone affected by this case. Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14 for immediate assistance. The trial before Justice Louise Taylor will continue as jurors assess the claims and evidence presented.
