Man, three women face court charged over alleged rent debt kidnapping

Police allege Alarna Lintner, 25, Cody Brooks, 26, Samantha Dunn, 51, and Serray Cartwright, 42, held the male victim captive for about 12 hours.

The group appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on April 15, 2024, charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, home invasion and drug-related offences.

Police alleged the male victim went to a Heywood address on Sunday, April 7, where Ms Dunn made demands about an alleged rent debt of $300 while armed with a hockey stick and bolt cutters.

She also demanded the man's internet banking details.

Ms Dunn allegedly made threats to cut off the man's "guitar-playing fingers" and asked him if he knew what a "dog smile" was.

"It's when your mouth is cut to your ears on both sides," she allegedly explained.

The court heard the alleged victim was scared and provided his bank details out of fear.

Ms Dunn then allegedly handed the hockey stick to Mr Brooks, who repeatedly pointed it at the alleged victim.

When Ms Dunn and Ms Cartwright couldn't access the man's account, he was told to get into Ms Dunn's black Holden Commodore.

He was allegedly forced into the rear middle seat between Mr Brooks and Ms Lintner.

Ms Dunn drove the car with Ms Cartwright in the front passenger seat.

Ms Dunn allegedly drove the group to the man's home in Heywood where they entered and allegedly stole two guitars, a mobile phone and a bank card.

The court heard they then travelled a short distance to Ms Dunn's house where it's alleged the man was held captive for about 12 hours.

It's alleged access was gained to his online bank account and just under $300 transferred to Ms Cartwright's account.

The matter was reported to police on Wednesday last week.

That led to police raids at Heywood addresses on Friday, April 12, 2024.

At two addresses officers allegedly located small amounts of cannabis and at one property GHB.

The accused people were all arrested and subsequently charged with the offending.

Ms Cartwright, Ms Lintner and Mr Brooks successfully applied for bail and were released from custody with strict conditions, including they not contact the alleged victim.

Mr Brook's lawyer Joseph Adamo said the police case against his client was weak and that identity was an issue with no accurate description of the man except for being "tall and skinny".

Ms Dunn did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

They will appear in the same court for a committal mention hearing on July 19.