An American woman who was kidnapped from her bedroom at the age of 14 has spoken about her ordeal in detail for the first time.
Elizabeth Smart testifies for the first time in court about the kidnapping
Elizabeth Smart, now 21, told of how how she was raped three or four times a day, and kept tethered to prevent her escaping.
She was giving testimony at a court in Utah which is trying to determine whether her alleged captor, Brian Mitchell, is competent to stand trial.
Mitchell is accused of kidnapping her at knifepoint in June 2002 - she was rescued in March 2003 when a motorist spotted her with Mitchell and his then wife.
"He came into my room, held a knife to my throat and threatened me, told me to get up quietly and told me if I didn't he'd kill me and my family," Ms Smart told the court.
180 smart Brian David Mitchell Wanda Brazee
Accused: Brian David Mitchell (l)
Accused: Brian David Mitchell (l)
The student said she was taken to a remote campsite where Mitchell, 55, performed a marriage ceremony with her before raping her.
She was tied to trees with a cable around her leg to keep her captive.
"He told me he would kill me if I ever tried to escape," the young woman revealed.
The 14-year-old's abduction and discovery created worldwide headlines in 2003, triggering a media frenzy comparable to the recent Jaycee Lee Dugard kidnapping case in California.
Although she has given several media interviews in the years since her kidnapping, Thursday's testimony is the first time she has spoken in detail about her ordeal.
Elizabeth's parents, Ed and Lois
Ms Smart said Mitchell had given her alcohol, drugs and made her view pornography during her captivity, describing him as "evil, wicked, manipulative, sneaky, slimy, selfish, and greedy."
Federal prosecutor Brett Tolman said the hearing would show that alleged kidnapper Mitchell, a self-styled religious minister, was fit to face trial.
"Elizabeth finally got the opportunity to tell her story. It's been long coming. It's significant and very important," said the lawyer.
Mitchell's lawyer, Robert Steele, told reporters his client was "delusional."
Elizabeth at the time of her kidnap
"He has a deep delusion," Mr Steele said. "I don't think he can rationally assist me in presenting his case."
Mitchell's many courtroom appearances in recent years have featured religious rants and outbursts of song.
He was removed from the courtroom at this latest hearing - the third - after bursting into song for several minutes.
He watched his alleged victim's testimony via a video feed.
Source: Sky News
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