Police were called to a residence in Lawrence at about 9:30 pm on Friday, 30 May 2025, after reports that a 37-year-old man had allegedly kidnapped a 35-year-old woman and her 17-month-old child. The man, known to both victims, is accused of threatening them with a weapon while forcing the woman to drive approximately 15 km before she managed to seek assistance from nearby residents. The child was safely reunited with her mother shortly thereafter.
Officers arrested the man at the scene. He has been charged with two counts of “use an offensive weapon to commit an indictable offence” and two counts of “take and detain for advantage” in connection with the alleged kidnapping. Additionally, he faces three unrelated counts of contravening a prohibition or restriction in an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).
Bail was refused, and he is scheduled to appear before Grafton Local Court on Monday, 23 June 2025.
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If you or someone you know needs help, contact:
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 000
NSW Domestic Violence Line (24/7): 1800 65 64 63
1800 RESPECT (Sexual assault and domestic violence counselling): 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT.org.au
Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14
Men’s Referral Service (support for male perpetrators): 1300 766 491
Translating & Interpreting Service: 131 450 (ask for domestic violence helpline)