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Backpacker outback victim plans UK return

A British backpacker allegedly held hostage and raped in Queensland is reportedly making plans to return to home.

A British backpacker allegedly held hostage and raped on a road trip across Queensland has been released from hospital and could soon be back in the UK.

Police on Wednesday confirmed the 22-year-old, from Liverpool in England, is recovering in the care of friends and family after her ordeal.

The woman was in Brisbane speaking with the British Consulate, as they try to help with arrangements to allow her to return to her homeland, the Nine Network reported.

She suffered multiple injuries including facial fractures after she was allegedly held against her will by a 22-year-old man from Cairns.

The pair had met at a dance party outside Cairns on January 27 and it's alleged the man committed multiple offences against the woman between February 3 and March 5.

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Her alleged attacker was arrested by police on Sunday near the outback town of Mitchell, 600km west of Brisbane, when a service station manager informed police the woman had driven off without paying for petrol.

The man faced Roma Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with several offences including four counts of rape and eight counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.

He has been remanded in custody and will reappear in court on May 23.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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