Kate Elizabeth Hill, Storm Michael Spurling charged over alleged child abduction

A man and woman charged with deprivation of liberty after a 14-year-old boy was allegedly forced into a car and driven around the Mackay region for hours have appeared in court.

The two teenagers that allegedly led police and RACQ CQ Rescue on a late-night pursuit across the Mackay and Sarina districts have been named as they faced court.

Kate Elizabeth Hill, 18, and Storm Michael Spurling, 19, were arrested after allegedly forcing a 14-year-old boy into a car at knifepoint before driving between Alligator Creek and Slade Point and dropping him off near a convenience store.

Defence solicitor Aaron Sellentin said Mr Spurling denied using a knife to force the teenager into Ms Hill’s car, and he also denied taking the victim’s phone from him.

Kate Elizabeth Hill was charged with deprivation of liberty after a late-night police pursuit in Mackay and Sarina. Picture: Contributed

“They were willingly with him,” Mr Sellentin said.

The 19-year-old father of two lived with Ms Hill at a caravan park for the past three months.

Mr Spurling was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of suspected stolen goods, assault and deprivation of liberty.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer said he would not grant Mr Spurling bail, with the construction worker set to face court in March.

Kate Elizabeth Hill and Storm Michael Spurling were charged with deprivation of liberty after an alleged police pursuit. Picture: Facebook

Ms Hill, who appeared via videolink in Mackay Magistrates Court, was granted bail after appearing in front of Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan.

The court heard the 18-year-old was the passenger of the car at the time the 14-year-old boy was allegedly forced into the back.

Police prosecutor Linden Pollard said while Ms Hill’s alleged offending was not as serious as Mr Spurling’s, she had plenty of opportunity to stop the events from happening.

Kate Elizabeth Hill. Picture: Contributed

“The defendant made no attempt to have the vehicle stop in relation to those offences,” he said.

“No attempt to intervene the vehicle to stop, pull over or go to a relevant address.

“This defendant has made no overt or any other action to prevent it from happening, even though it’s her vehicle.”

As well as the deprivation of liberty charge, Ms Hill faced offences of unlawfully possessing alcohol, footwear and watches that were stolen or unlawfully obtained.

The court heard Ms Hill was on probation, from January 11, 2022, for dishonesty and drug-related offences.

Kate Elizabeth Hill Picture: Contributed

Mr Pollard said police alleged Ms Hill also listened to police scanners to help avoid detection.

“It is further alleged the defendant actively used detection devices on her phone for police communications via radio,” he said.

“You can actually listen to where the police are heading at certain times, particularly in relation to the driving of the vehicle.”

Ms Hartigan said Ms Hill needed to cut ties with her friends.

“Whatever you have to do with your co-accused, it’s over now,” she said.

“I want you to start living a law-abiding life.

“Running around at night is a temptation.”

Ms Hill was granted bail, with conditions that she not see Mr Spurling, and that she live at her parent’s house in Mackay with a 8am-8pm curfew enforced.

Her case was adjourned until March.

Originally published as Kate Elizabeth Hill, Storm Michael Spurling charged over alleged child abduction