Woman, 19, allegedly abducted from Cairns street, assaulted, head shaved, held captive for days

Three people have been charged following the alleged kidnapping of a 19-year-old woman who “suffered significant trauma” including having her head shaved after she was abducted from Cairns North last week. WATCH THE VIDEO.

Three people have been charged following the alleged kidnapping of a 19-year-old woman who “suffered significant trauma” including having her head shaved after she was abducted from Cairns North last week.

The 19-year-old Westcourt woman was allegedly kidnapped from a Cairns North street on Friday, June 13, and held captive for two days, where she was assaulted multiple times, including with a weapon.

Acting Detective Inspector Cindy Searle said the woman had “suffered significant trauma” in the two days she was allegedly held captive, and was allegedly forced to do things against her will.

“There were a number of things that she was forced to do, but being mindful of her being a victim in this matter, we aren’t prepared to disclose exactly what happened to her, so she doesn’t have to relive that trauma by hearing about it again,” Ms Searle said.

Semias Donnelly, 23, from Freshwater, was arrested on June 16 and has been charged with deprivation of liberty, torture, threats and three counts of common assault.

Detective Acting Inspector Cindy Searle. Picture: Peter Carruthers

On Tuesday, June 17, a 22-year-old Manoora man was arrested at a Manunda address and charged with three counts of common assault, two counts of breach of bail and one count each of assaults occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty.

Kaidii Dayl Ephraums, 34, was charged on Sunday with 14 offences, including torture, deprivation of liberty, five counts of common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed/in company, two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, possess utensils and driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s licence.

Ms Searle said the alleged victim sustained bruising and other assault-related injuries.

“I’m probably not prepared to discuss that (the extent of the injuries) at this point, mainly for the victim’s safety and for the victim’s welfare,” she said.

Ms Searle said the woman was assessed and released from Cairns hospital on the same day, “so she wasn’t deemed to have injuries that required hospitalisation or further treatment”.

“This is a very distressing crime for the victim involved, and it is one that has significant concerns. When we first received the report, we had significant worries what condition we might find the victim in, and even though the injuries were such that she was released from hospital, this will have a lifelong effect for her.”

The alleged victim was assessed and released from the Cairns hospital on the same day.

Ms Searle said the woman was taken to a number of locations in the Cairns area over the two days, including two properties she was held at and other locations.

Ms Searle said police did not know a motive for the alleged kidnapping, but drugs did not appear to play a part.

“At this stage, that is part of the investigation that is before the court,” she said.

Ms Searle said the 19-year-old woman and Ms Ephraums were known to each other but she did not clarify the nature of their relationship, saying only it was a “difficult relationship”.

She also said police did not know if Mr Donnelly knew the 19-year-old woman, but said he knew Ms Ephraums.

Police were alerted to the alleged abduction on Saturday afternoon by a member of the public who reported a woman had been taken from the corner of Sheridan and Charles Street.

The 19-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted by an older woman who pulled up near her, then forced the 19-year-old woman into the car, and repeatedly assaulted her again inside the vehicle.

“It will be alleged the woman took the victim to a property and refused to let her leave,” Detective Inspector Searle said.

“The circumstances … are very specific to the people involved and we don’t hold concerns for the broader public.”

Police located both women in Sheridan Street on the afternoon of Sunday, June 15, with the alleged victim taken to Cairns hospital for treatment.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Police said the 19-year-old woman was receiving support.

Ms Ephraums’ matter was mentioned in Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday, June 16 before Magistrate Sandra Pearson.

Ephraums was represented by lawyer Corey McKibbin but did not appear in person or via video-link.

No application was made for bail and Ephraums was remanded in custody for further mention on August 5.

Ms Ephraums’ address is registered to a residence in Belgian Gardens, Townsville, but Ms Searle said it was believed the woman was residing in Cairns but had not recorded a specific address.

Mr Donnelly did not appear in person in Cairns Magistrate Court on Tuesday, June 17, and a lawyer requested that his matter be adjourned until Wednesday, June 18.

The 22-year-old Manoora man was refused bail and is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court, on Wednesday, June 18.

Police said investigations were continuing, anyone with information was asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Originally published as Woman, 19, allegedly abducted from Cairns street, assaulted, head shaved, held captive for days