Carjacking, choke claim

Newtown parents force woman from her vehicle, court told

A WOMAN was choked during a violent carjacking in Geelong at the weekend, a court has heard.

Police allege the 21-year-old victim was providing a lift to people known to her when she was forced from the car in Whittington, shortly after 1am on Saturday.

The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday the woman had agreed to drive the group to Whittington after being approached in the car park of the Lord of the Isles Tavern.

Newtown parents Nicole Stratton, 25, and Josh Carter, 27, have each been charged with carjacking. It is alleged Mr Carter told the woman to stop the car near the intersection of Apollo Place and Townsend Rd, before Ms Stratton — seated in the back seat — began choking the driver.

Ms Stratton is accused of telling the victim, “You’re going to give us your f---ing car,” before taking control of the Mazda sedan as the woman fled to a nearby property.

In court, Geelong criminal investigation unit Detective Jason Tom said Ms Stratton allegedly performed a burnout in the car before driving away.

He said the vehicle was recovered about 4am on Julian St, Newtown, scrawled with tags including “cop lover” and “3219” — the postcode for Whittington.

Sen-Constable Tom said the location of the car was about 60m from a home shared by Ms Stratton and Mr Carter.

The couple were arrested later that day and a search of the home found the keys to the stolen car, he said.

Police are still waiting to speak to two men they believe are also connected to the incident.

Ms Stratton and Mr Carter, who are parents to two children, have denied the allegations.

Sen-Constable Tom said it would be alleged that the carjacking was an “arranged, organised incident”.

Ms Stratton was granted bail in court yesterday despite police fears she could interfere with witnesses.

Defence lawyer Caetlyn Wells-Simon said the prosecution’s case was largely depen- dent on the victim’s statement, and that even if her client was guilty, it was possible she would not be jailed.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan decided to release Ms Stratton on conditions including that she live at her home in Newtown and report to police three times a week. She will return to court on August 15.

Mr Carter also fronted court on Monday and was remanded ahead of another court appearance this week.