A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the kidnapping of two young boys in Moora, a town located 180 kilometers north of Perth, Western Australia. The incident occurred in March 2023 and was captured on security cameras, revealing the actions of Jonathan Anthony, 36, who was disguised with a mask and wig. As the boys slept, Anthony managed to abduct an eight-year-old while his older brother, aged 12, narrowly escaped.
According to court proceedings, Anthony forcibly took the younger boy from his bed and made a threatening statement: “stay here or I’ll kill you.” The ordeal lasted over three hours, during which Anthony changed the boy into his own clothes, forced him to drink beer, and denied him access to a toilet. The chilling situation escalated until the boy’s screams were heard, prompting a search by family members and the police.
The court learned that on the night of the kidnapping, Anthony had not taken his medication for schizophrenia and had inhaled butane, leading to delusions that he needed to “save the children.” His lawyer stated that these factors contributed to his unstable mental state at the time of the crime.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile abductions, including that of Cleo Smith, highlighting the fears surrounding child safety that parents face. During the sentencing at a district court in Perth, the judge referenced the case of Terence Kelly, calling the crime every parent’s worst nightmare.
The boy’s father expressed disappointment with the length of the sentence, noting that with the possibility of parole, Anthony could be released in as little as three years. This case underscores ongoing concerns about child abduction and the justice system’s response to such grave offenses.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the critical importance of community vigilance in protecting young lives.
