Man 'bashed and held prisoner' over rent left unpaid during virus crisis
An inner city Sydney tenant has been assaulted and held against his will after falling behind on his rent due to the coronavirus crisis, police say.
The male tenant, 24, owed back rent on the Surry Hills property because of financial difficulties and told police he had negotiated a payment plan with his landlord.
However, the 56-year-old property owner and a 57-year-old man allegedly attended the Clifton Reserve home about 3.30pm on Wednesday, where they allegedly assaulted the 24-year-old and prevented him from leaving until he paid all the arrears.
The young man did so and immediately reported the incident to police.
The property owner was arrested on Wednesday night and charged with detaining a person for advantage. He appeared in Central Local Court on Thursday and was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 13.
The 57-year-old was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court on Friday on charges of detaining in company with an intent to obtain advantage and occasion actual bodily harm.
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