Landlord charged after in-arrears Sydney renter assaulted
An inner-Sydney tenant has allegedly been assaulted and held against his will by a landlord after falling behind on his rent because of the COVID crisis, despite telling police he had negotiated a payment plan.
Police & Courts
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A Sydney man has allegedly been assaulted and held against his will after falling behind on rent during the coronavirus outbreak.
The tenant, 24, owed rent on the Surry Hills property because of financial difficulties and told police he had negotiated a payment plan with his landlord.
However, Mario Venneri, the 56-year-old property owner and 57-year-old Anthony Mowad allegedly attended the Clifton Reserve home about 3.30pm on Wednesday.
The pair allegedly assaulted the tenant and prevented him from leaving until he paid all the arrears.
The young man immediately reported the incident to police.
Detective Superintendent Tim Beattie on Friday said the tenant was held hostage until he produced the funds.
“There was a physical altercation and it became very clear that the tenant was unable to leave, he was contained against his will,” Det Supt Beattie told reporters.
“There are processes and mechanisms to retrieve the outstanding money but if they cross the line there will be certain consequences that go with it.”
Venneri was arrested on Wednesday and charged with detaining a person for advantage.
He faced Central Local Court on Thursday and was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 13.
Venneri must report to Toukley Police Station every day until his next hearing.
Mowad faced Central Local Court on Friday on charges of detaining in company with an intent to obtain advantage and occasion actual bodily harm. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 13.