GP accused of leading child kidnapping ring calls charges ‘absolute nonsense’
Dr William Russell Pridgeon was committed to stand trial last week
A GP accused of organising an abduction ring that helped mothers take and hide their children in violation of family court orders says he will fight the charges against him.
Dr William Russell Pridgeon, 67, is facing three counts of child stealing and two counts of conspiring to defeat justice for his alleged role in a network that eluded authorities for years.
He and his coaccused, Patrick Finbar McGarry O’Dea, were committed to stand trial last week after a hearing in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Police alleged the GP from Grafton in NSW was the main financial backer and planner behind a plot to help two women abduct their children — contrary to family law orders — and then hide them.
