A 22-year-old backpacker from Liverpool in the UK, who was allegedly held against her will, raped, threatened, and forced on a 1500-kilometre journey around remote Queensland, has addressed her ordeal for the first time.
“I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me,” she reportedly posted to social media.
The woman was rescued in western Queensland by police officers last week on March 5. Police pulled the car over, after reports the woman did not pay for petrol at a previous road stop, a move believed to be a cry for help.
Upon approaching the car, police officers found the woman at the wheel and questioned her about her injuries. They searched the vehicle and found a 22-year-old man hiding in the back.
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It’s alleged the 22-year-old man held her against her will inside a Cairns hotel room in late February. She was allegedly gagged with a towel and raped.
Police officers claim there were at least three additional rape offences that took place between March 1 and March 5 during the horror “road trip”. It is understood she was taken from Cairns to Gordonvale before continuing onto Bowen, Rockhampton, Banana, Roma and Mitchell.
The victim also suffered an injury to her face, which she was hospitalised for.