Man on kidnap, torture charges

A TOWNSVILLE man has been charged with the kidnapping and torture of a woman in Mackay.

Detectives from the Townsville Criminal Investigation Branch, assisting Mackay investigators, raided a Vincent home on Friday afternoon where Ricky Johnson, 42, was taken into custody.

It will be alleged Johnson was among a group of people who are accused of repeatedly bashing a 39- year- old woman with a metal pole.

Police said about 5.50pm on April 15 a group of four men and a woman confronted the 39- year- old female victim at an apartment complex on Gregory St.

The group became involved in a verbal altercation before the woman was allegedly assaulted in the foyer of the complex.

The woman was then allegedly led outside by the group and forced into a vehicle where she was hit a number of times with a metal pole before being driven to a location on Connors Rd at Bakers Creek.

The group then allegedly dragged the woman from the car and further assaulted her with a pole before she managed to flee and contact police.

The woman was treated at Mackay Hospital for non- life- threatening injuries.

Detective Sergeant Tony Flanders said the 42- year- old Vincent man was charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm as well as one count each of torture and kidnapping.

It is understood Johnson and a 44- year- old South Mackay woman have been charged with the same five offences.

Both men have faced court in Townsville and Mackay respectively and will reappear in July.

The woman, who was arrested yesterday is expected to face Mackay Magistrates Court today.