The victim of a near-fatal stabbing at West Wollongong earlier this month was ordered to strip naked and frog-marched towards an isolated stormwater drain moments before a knife was plunged into his chest, a court has heard.
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Police will allege Aiden Lewis had been kidnapped from a home in Barrack Heights on the afternoon of May 4 in an act of "retribution" after he allegedly stole money and a car from his one-time close friend, 21-year-old Luke Levvell.
Levvell and three others allegedly drove a terrified Lewis to a reserve off Phillips Avenue where they were met by another group of people, which included Lewis' ex-girlfriend's new partner, Cruz Austin.
Levvell allegedly ordered Lewis to strip naked before another man took hold of him and began walking him towards a large stormwater pipe network known colloquially as "the Tunnels".
Lewis tried to break free of the man's grasp and a violent struggle ensued between the two men before Austin and Levvell allegedly joined the fray. It is alleged Austin pulled out a knife and stabbed Lewis, leaving him with a gapping wound in his chest.
Levvell then allegedly kicked Lewis in the head several times before the group fled the scene.
Bleeding heavily, Lewis, crawled to a nearby unit and alerted the home owner, who phoned police.
It is alleged he twice named Austin as his attacker - once in the presence of the neighbour then again when emergency services arrived.
Documents tendered to Wollongong Local Court this week said Lewis' injuries were so severe he was not expected to survive.
The court heard he went into cardiac arrest on his arrival at Wollongong Hospital and had to be revived before being rushed into surgery.
He was later transferred to St George Hospital where he underwent further surgery to stem bleeding into his lung.
Austin was arrested at Mangerton on May 14 and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was refused court bail the following day.
Meanwhile, Levvell was arrested at Warilla on Thursday and charged with special aggravated kidnapping.
He sought bail during a court appearance later that day, with defence lawyer Joseph Healey arguing his client had a limited criminal record and would abide by strict bail conditions if released.
However, Magistrate Mark Douglass refused the application on account of how serious the matter was and the strength of the case against Levvell.
He also noted Levvell was already on bail for another matter of violence at the time.
The case will return to court on July 22.
