Bendigo women, man to stand trial for alleged kidnapping

Bendigo residents Scott Wilson, 50, Gail Arthur, 45, and Erin Kilner, 27, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday for their committal hearing.

The trio pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, aggravated burglary, recklessly causing injury, false imprisonment, and home invasion.

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Magistrate Susan Wakeling determined there was enough evidence for Mr Wilson, Ms Arthur, and Ms Kilner to stand trial.

Police alleged the trio went to the victim's Bendigo property on the evening of January 25 this year after they heard she stole Mr Wilson's watch.

The victim on Wednesday gave evidence that Mr Wilson entered her property about 6pm that night, demanding she return the item.

The woman told the court Ms Kilner followed behind Mr Wilson and assaulted her, before Mr Wilson dragged her by the hair down the driveway and to a waiting car.

The victim gave evidence that Ms Arthur was the driver of the vehicle, with Mr Wilson in the front passenger seat and Ms Kilner in the back seat.

The woman told the magistrate Ms Kilner repeatedly punched her to the face and head while she was in the car.

The victim said she directed the group to another Bendigo property where she believed the person who had the stolen watch was staying.

The woman gave evidence that she stole the watch but gave it to her associate because she "didn't want it in (her) possession".

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The victim said the trio drove her to another property, where a third woman assaulted and robbed her.

The woman told the court she begged those in the car to not leave her at the second property but they did not help her.

The woman was granted a break in the middle of her evidence, but she did not return and the magistrate ordered a warrant for her arrest.

The victim returned later in the day where she finished her evidence.

She told the court she "just needed a break" because she was "quite frustrated" that Ms Kilner and Ms Arthur were laughing in the courtroom.

Two bystanders also gave evidence to the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The men said they saw Mr Wilson and another woman outside the victim's property on the night of January 25.

One of the bystanders said he knew Mr Wilson and Ms Kilner prior to the alleged incident. He said he saw and spoke to Mr Wilson that night, but he did not see Ms Kilner at the scene.

Ms Kilner, Ms Arthur, and Mr Wilson were committed to stand trial on the charges. They are due to appear in the County Court in August for a directions hearing.

Magistrate Wakeling extended Ms Kilner and Ms Arthur's bail to their next court date, while Mr Wilson was remanded in custody.

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