A British backpacker who was allegedly beaten, choked and raped while being held hostage in outback Queensland for two months was saved after a routine traffic stop.
The 22-year-old woman was rescued on Sunday after being pulled over by police on the Warrego Highway at Mitchell.
According to police, the woman was visibly distressed and had injuries to her face.
“It appears she was terrified and not able to hide that,” police said.
When they searched the four-wheel drive, they quickly found her alleged attacker – a 22-year-old Manunda man – hiding in a storage alcove.
The man, who has already appeared before a Roma court, was charged with a range of offences, including four counts of rape, eight counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and four counts of strangulation. He also faces drug charges.
Police said the pair met three months earlier and the alleged attacks took place between January 2 and March 5 at various locations across Queensland, where the woman was held against her will.
‘We would certainly say that what’s happened to this lady is quite catastrophic so there are numerous supports that are being put in place to help her out during through this period,’ Detective Inspector Paul Hart told the ABC.
The woman was taken to hospital where she was treated for facial lacerations and cuts to her body.
The case continues…