Angela Antartis, 26, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to her role in a brutal hostage attack in January 2023.
Along with Zoran Aligrudic, 44, Antartis forcibly detained a man at a carport in Kilkenny, subjecting him to a violent and dehumanising assault while both were under the influence of methamphetamine.
In his victim impact statement, the victim described the ordeal as the “worst events of his 25 years of life,” leaving him with nightmares and severe anxiety.
“I am scarred from their actions both physically and mentally,” he said.
The District Court was told the attack involved prolonged physical abuse, including forcing the victim to strip naked and cutting off parts of his hair and beard.
The incident was driven by the duo’s belief that the victim had been charged with and pleaded guilty to indecent assault.
During the attack, they also made phone calls to the victim’s accuser, forcing him to apologise.
Antartis, from Woodville North, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and multiple counts of assault.
Her co-defendant, Aligrudic, also pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and firearm possession. His lawyer explained that the offending was impulsive, driven by methamphetamine use following the breakdown of his marriage.
Antartis’ counsel highlighted her history of childhood trauma, which contributed to her methamphetamine addiction and criminal behaviour.
While in custody, Antartis is seeking drug rehabilitation programs and hopes to start anew upon release.
Judge Rauf Soulio will deliver sentencing for the two defendants next month.
Source: The Advertiser.
