Qld: Teenager remanded in custody after alleged hostage incident

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2007
Qld: Teenager remanded in custody after alleged hostage incident

EDS: Changes keyword from Nightclub



By Jade Bilowol

BRISBANE, April 23 AAP - A teenager accused of holding a young man hostage in his home
threatened to cut off the man's fingers and slash his throat, a court has been told.

Todd Russell Pierce, 17, of Bowen Hills in inner-city Brisbane, was today remanded
in custody after appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates' Court charged with a string of
offences.

Police allege Solomon Abdul Kareem Faraj, 18, was outside Mercury Nightclub in Adelaide
Street in central Brisbane at about 4am (AEST) on Friday when he was confronted by Pierce,
who allegedly forced him into a vehicle.

The accused then allegedly drove to Mr Faraj's Brisbane home before threatening him
with a knife, torturing him, and robbing and assaulting him.

Pierce has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, torture, deprivation
of liberty, threatening violence, robbery with actual violence, entering with intent,
burglary and possession of utensils.

He did not enter a plea.

As magistrate John Smith read out the charges to the court, he said Pierce allegedly
had "threatened to cut off the fingers and cut the throat" of the victim.

The court was told Pierce also entered Mr Faraj's home and stole his laptop computer
and passport on April 6 this year.

Police allegedly found a water pipe used to smoke drugs in Pierce's possession yesterday.

During his unsuccessful application for bail, defence lawyer Neil Lawler told the court
Pierce, an apprentice builder, rejected most of the allegations levelled against him.

"Solomon was a friend (of Pierce's)," Mr Lawler said.

He also said Pierce had surrendered himself to police and wanted to reside with his
mother in Munruben, south of Brisbane.

Mr Smith refused Pierce bail and remanded him in custody.

"It appears to this court you're a person who would endanger the safety of members
of the public," Mr Smith said.

Pierce is due to face court on May 16.

AAP jvb/pjo/ks/cdh

KEYWORD: PIERCE (CHANGING KEYWORD)

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