A Coleraine court has heard disturbing allegations after an Australian national presented himself to Antrim police station claiming to have been kidnapped.
The case was heard at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 25, where the defendant, 28-year-old Judah Moses Rob, faces charges related to ‘illegal entry to the UK’.
Appearing via video link from Antrim custody, Judag Moses (28) Robb, whose address is listed as Henes Close, Pacific Pines, Queensland, Australia, confirmed his date of birth and acknowledged the charges against him. Detective Constable (DC) Wallace testified that she understood the facts surrounding the case and could connect Robb to the charges.
DC Wallace outlined the circumstances surrounding Robb’s claims. On January 23, 2026, he reported to Antrim Police Station that he had been kidnapped and held captive at an address in Lisburn. During his ordeal, he alleged that he was tied up, beaten, and threatened. Rob told detectives that he had arrived in Dublin approximately three months prior and had travelled to Northern Ireland by car about two weeks ago. He indicated that he had entered the UK without a visa after being denied entry on June 25 and expressed a desire to return to Australia.
DC Wallace told the court that Robb said his initial stay was at an address in Hillsborough before being transported to Lisburn, where he was held captive for several days. He described to police being tied up and photographed with injuries that were sent to his family in Australia, along with demands for money and threats to harm him further.
the court heard that during police examination, officers noted injuries to Robb’s face that corroborated his account, and they discovered the photographs he had sent to his brother.
Following a thorough investigation, police arrested Robb for illegal entry into the UK, prioritising his safety and facilitating his return to Australia, he had no passport and no fixed abode in the UK.
During questioning, Robb admitted he was aware he was not supposed to be in the UK and elaborated on how his passport was confiscated, forcing him into work to pay off a gambling debt before his kidnapping. Immigration officials have been involved, as he presented himself the previous afternoon, intending to obtain documentation to travel to an embassy in London for emergency paperwork to return home.
In court, the prosecution stated they could not accept a plea at this stage. Judge Peter King questioned the circumstances surrounding Rob’s debt, which was identified as a gambling debt. Barrister Mr. Grant Powles argued that Robb has been a victim and is eager to return to his family in Australia, including two children and his brother.
Judge King acknowledged the complexities of the case, including a prior deportation order against Robb due to allegations of bringing cannabis into the UK from Thailand. The judge expressed a desire to resolve the matter quickly but noted that the prosecution was not yet in a position to accept a plea.
The hearing concluded with Judge King remanding Robb in custody until the following day, hoping that further information would allow for a plea to be accepted then. The case has been adjourned to January 27 at Antrim Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Ballymena, as various unanswered questions remain regarding the defendant’s situation and legal status.