Otago Daily Times
May 15, 1998

Alleged victim arrested, Man charged
By Sharon Fowler

The Dunedin CIB is no longer looking for anyone in relation to an alleged kidnapping almost two weeks ago.

Detective Sergeant Steve McGregor said an 18-year-old student had been arrested and charged with making a false complaint.

He would appear in the Dunedin District Court this morning.

An 18-year-old man told police he had been abducted near the Gardens Tavern on May 2, blindfolded, had his hands tied and was dumped at either St Clair or St Kilda beach.

He said he remained tied up in the area until midday the following day when he was found by a woman who helped free him.

Police treated the abduction seriously, saying it had potentially fatal consequences.

They said last week their investigation was being hampered by a lack of information.