Victim tells court of fighting off kidnapper
Judge says he needs time to make a decision on sentence for Paul Peddle
CBC News
Posted: Feb 8, 2012 6:56 AM NT
Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 11:25 AM NT
Paul Peddle is awaiting sentencing for kidnapping a co-worker last year. (CBC)
The 20-year-old woman who was the victim of a kidnapping last March told court Tuesday of her battle to fight off her abductor.
A co-worker of the woman at Princess Auto on Stavanger Drive in St. John's convinced her to get in his truck that day.
Paul Peddle, 43, had a spiral notepad in that truck detailing what he planned to do next — take her to his cabin in Long Harbour.
Peddle had three pages of plans, along with a letter titled "start of a new life." He had rope, a hatchet, a tarp, blankets and knives, and a pellet gun that looked just like a police handgun.
In his statement, Peddle said he hoped to have sex with her there.
But that didn't happen. The victim — whose identity is protected by a publication ban — managed to fight him off.
At one point, she said, Peddle held the gun to her head. She got away, but was injured. and has scars she says will haunt her for the rest of her life.
The woman said she fought to stay alive, but feels like her "life and soul were taken away" that day, and said there's "nothing but anger and rage in my veins."
Peddle also spoke. He apologized to the victim and her family, and talked of severe headaches and stress.
He said he wasn't thinking clearly, and broke down when he talked about his wife and three small children, saying he has now lost them.
The judge said he needs time to make a decision on sentencing. The matter will be back in court March 27.
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