An NHS-employed mental health worker has appeared in court accused of kidnapping his wife after waiting outside her home for approximately five hours.
Wasif Bajwa, 37, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (Friday, 2 September) charged with kidnap and assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH).
Kate Prince, prosecuting, said the incident happened outside his estranged wife’s address in the Toothill area at around 9pm on Tuesday (30 August).
It’s alleged that the defendant, of Foxearth Road, South Croydon, and an unknown accomplice, ran out of an alleyway wearing balaclavas as the woman arrived home in her car.
Bajwa is claimed to have taken control of the car, whilst the other male – who is now wanted by police – allegedly grabbed her arm and prevented her from getting out of the vehicle.
The car was then driven into Markenfield, a nearby street, where witnesses claim to have seen the alleged victim hanging out of the vehicle as she tried to escape.
Ms Prince says the end of the incident was seen by two independent witnesses. One of whom heard loud screams over the sound of her TV and rushed out to help the alleged victim. She claims the woman was lying face-down on the ground and in distress.
The other witness said he saw events unfold from a distance and was so concerned he phoned 999 to report what he believed may have been a stabbing – based on the hysterical screaming.
Ms Prince claimed that evidence shows that Bajwa had been waiting outside the woman’s address for approximately five hours prior to the alleged kidnapping.
Terry McCarthy, defending, said the defendant denies the claims and will be entering a not guilty plea when the case is sent to the crown court.
He said his client works for the NHS as a mental health professional on a ward in a hospital.
Magistrates remanded Bajwa in custody and sent the case to Swindon Crown Court. He will near appear on 30 September for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
