Michael Warne-Liddle pleads guilty to Kincumber kidnapping
One of two men charged with kidnapping a man before dumping him unconscious in bushland at Kincumber has pleaded guilty.
Central Coast
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A man will face sentencing in the District Court after pleading guilty to his role in the kidnapping of a man at Kincumber last year.
About 9.30pm on Friday, October 18, a number of men left a licensed venue at Terrigal in a Toyota Corolla.
At 11pm, police allege the car stopped on Carrack Rd at Kincumber where one man dragged another man from the car and proceeded to punch and kick him a number of times to the head.
The man was dragged back into the car and driven to Doyle St at Kincumber, where he was dumped in bushland.
About 11am the next day a passer-by found the 36-year-old victim unconscious and with serious injuries.
Brisbane Water Police attended and established two crime scenes.
The victim was taken to Gosford Hospital where he was treated for a fractured jaw and possible brain damage.
Following inquiries, police later arrested and charged 23-year-old Thomas Gordon Hutchin, of East Gosford, with causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent and kidnapping in company with intent to obtain advantage.
Gosford Local Court heard Michael Warne-Liddle, 28, of Kincumber, “turned himself in” to police a few days later.
He was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent and kidnapping in company with intent to obtain advantage.
Both men faced court again on Friday where Warne-Liddle’s solicitor David Kelly formally entered a guilty plea to kidnapping in company.
The charge of causing grievous bodily harm was withdrawn and dismissed.
Warne-Liddle, who has been remanded in custody since his arrest, was adjourned to appear at Gosford District Court on October 8 to set a sentence date.
Mr Hutchin is yet to enter a plea but his lawyer told the court negotiations with the prosecution were being finalised and he would likely enter a plea on the next occasion.
At a previous bail application, the court heard Mr Hutchin was the driver of the car and did not get out of the vehicle.
His matter was adjourned to Gosford Local Court on October 2 and his bail was continued.