Kiwi backpacker tortured for 16 hours

By GREG TOURELLE

SYDNEY - A group of Queensland men tortured a young New Zealand backpacker for 16 hours, fracturing his cheekbone, breaking his nose and a finger, inflicting burns and sexually assaulting him.

Police said the 19-year-old, believed to be from Wellington, was in a satisfactory condition in Royal Brisbane Hospital today after being found in a Brisbane warehouse yesterday following a tip-off from a member of the public.

The New Zealander had only arrived in Australia on Thursday and was staying at a Brisbane backpackers' hostel.

Three men have been charged with attempting to murder him and Detective Inspector Ben Hanbidge said police were still seeking two others they believe were involved.

"Yes, it's a shocking incident," he told NZPA.

It appeared the New Zealander had been in the "wrong place at the wrong time".

He had gone to a park not far from his hostel on Friday evening and befriended five local men, who invited him back to their place. That turned out to be a warehouse, well known as a local "squat", not far from Brisbane's Roma St transit centre.

"Once they've got back there they have initially accused him of trying to steal a book or something. Straight away they have grabbed him and tied him up to a chair.

"He was held against his will. He was... fairly viciously assaulted throughout the course of the night."

Mr Hanbidge said the man's injuries were not life-threatening, but they "were certainly substantial". In addition to the broken bones, he had burns to his feet and legs and multiple bruises, cuts and abrasions.

"His whole body has copped it."

Police today charged three men, one aged 28 and two aged 26, with attempted murder, torture, rape, assault occasioning bodily harm, armed robbery and burglary.

While they were charged with rape, Mr Hanbidge said the man had been sexually assaulted. In Queensland law, rape incorporates a variety of sexual offences.

The men will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police would be speaking to the injured New Zealander again soon.

"Yesterday he was still suffering from shock and under medical care all day, so we didn't have any opportunity to speak to him at length."

Mr Hanbidge said he understood he was in a satisfactory condition but would be in hospital for a few days.

"His injuries were not life-threatening. He's certainly uncomfortable."

The man's family had been informed and the New Zealand consulate was assisting them.

Some Brisbane people, shocked by the incident, had offered accommodation for the young man if he needed it, Mr Hanbidge said.

- NZPA