Couple allegedly kidnapped 18-year-old, forced her to eat cat feces: officials

An Australian couple have been denied bail over an alleged kidnapping, during which they are accused of torturing their 18-year-old victim and forcing her to eat cat feces.

Mataja Pagett, 18, from western Sydney, and Jayden Williamson, 21, from Wollongong, are facing charges of taking and detaining a victim with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm in company, and stalking intimidation in connection with an alleged kidnapping incident.

A third co-accused, Christopher Diliapis, a 19-year-old from Dapto, has also been charged but was granted bail.

The alleged incident occurred on August 30, during which Pagett, Williamson, and Diliapis allegedly detained the victim at a unit in North Wollongong between 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The victim was allegedly forced to eat cat feces as part of the ordeal.

The victim was known to at least one of the alleged kidnappers and was initially approached and physically assaulted at Dapto train station before being taken to a nearby property where she was tied up, assaulted, and kept prisoner.

The victim later made a statement at the hospital, claiming she had been forcibly tied up at a residence, and that the alleged offenses seemed to be premeditated.

The police prosecutor opposed bail for Pagett and Williamson citing safety concerns for the alleged victim.

“The victim has been subjected to belittling and disgusting behavior, the things that are done to her are unspeakable and never should have occurred,” she said.

Magistrate Stephen Corry strongly opposed bail for Pagett and Williamson, citing concerns for the alleged victim’s safety.

“Bail is refused, this is a strong prosecution case which involves the ongoing assault and detention of the victim with cable ties,” he said.

Magistrate Corry also said the alleged offending appeared “premeditated” given what was used to “torture and detain the victim.”

Pagett’s lawyer said her young age should be considered.

“This is a young person, who only recently entered the jurisdiction of adult court after turning 18 just a few weeks ago,” the lawyer said via The Daily Telegraph.

The magistrate also noted that the alleged offenses appeared to be premeditated based on the available evidence in the unit.

Williamson and Pagett will remain in custody, with their cases scheduled to return to Wollongong Local Court on November 1.