Court orders return of kidnapped boy

Jayden Headley

The family of a kidnapped boy, possibly hidden in Northland by his grandfather, have been told to return him today or face imprisonment for contempt of court.

Dick Headley, 68, faces a charge of kidnapping six-year-old Jayden Headley after he was taken by a woman from the Hamilton Central Library on August 18, during a domestic row over his custody.

The Family Court had awarded Jayden's father Chris Jones custody of the child.

In the High Court at Hamilton yesterday Justice Paul Heath issued a habeas corpus - an order to place a person before the court - to Jayden's mother Jay Skelton and other members of her family.

The judge ordered the family to take Jayden to Hamilton Courthouse at 10am today.

"I make it clear also, that ... those defendants who fail to comply adequately will be at risk of imprisonment for contempt of court.

"This is serious and all involved must realise that," Justice Heath said.

Police have received calls from Dick Headley during the past two months saying he was looking after Jayden in a safe location.

Police believe Mr Headley may have the child in Northland.

Justice Heath said there was evidence that Ms Skelton and her family knew where Jayden was.

"Further, in my view, is is not credible to suggest that Jayden's mother, grandmother and great-grandmother do not know where he is and what is happening," he said.

"Those parties need to reflect seriously on the events that have occurred before deciding what choices they make in responding (to the order)."

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)