A MARRIED couple appeared in court on Monday (July 29) accused of kidnapping a six-year-old boy and a taxi driver during a bizarre spree of weekend violence.

Douglas Byelong, aged 56, and his 25-year-old wife Julie, appeared before magistrates at Basingstoke, Hants, in separate hearings flanked by security guards.

The couple faced charges of kidnapping taxi driver Mark Slater and attempting to murder him, and kidnapping six-year-old Michael Hill.

Edward Phillips, prosecuting, said the Crown alleged the couple launched an attack on the cabbie in Salisbury, Wilts, after they had kidnapped him in Hampshire on Saturday.

He added the couple also allegedly visited a home in the tiny village of Shipton Bellinger, Hants, where a dog was killed.

He said: "Later, it is alleged, they were responsible for the abduction of a six-year-old boy. I am very glad to say he escaped unscathed."

Mrs Byelong had been living at a secure mental hospital at Guild Park, Goosnargh. She spoke only to confirm her address. David Melville-Walker, representing Mrs Byelong, said there was no application for bail. He said she had been a resident at the secure hospital when she managed to escape a week ago.

Her husband, of King George's Court, Bacup, sat motionless in the dock wearing blue prison overalls. The couple were remanded in custody until this Friday, August 2.

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