Australian authorities have accused 34-year-old Zane Woodward of several violent crimes in a startling case of domestic violence. He allegedly used a padlocked metal chain to keep his 32-year-old spouse, Broadie McGugan, shackled to a bed at night. McGugan escaped and told the police about the abuse, and the horrifying details came to light.
Despite reports that the couple had been dating since September 2024, McGugan’s ordeal only became public following her audacious escape on August 5, 2025.
‘To Stop Her from Sneaking Out’
Woodward made McGugan sleep shackled to a bed frame, preventing her from moving for anything other than eating or using the restroom, according to the police statement that was shown in court. The man allegedly justified his abusive actions by claiming he wanted to stop her from “sneaking out of the house to have sex with other men.”
Police said McGugan’s mobile phone, wallet, and keys were confiscated, and she was cut off from her family, friends, and work, further intensifying her isolation.
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Escape and Immediate Arrest
McGugan’s escape occurred when the couple stopped at an ATM. Taking the opportunity, she ran and hid in a nearby pharmacy before making her way to Lake Illawarra police station. Authorities said she suffered from severe physical injuries, including broken ribs, bruises, and a fractured eye socket.
Police arrested Woodward shortly after at a home in Oak Flats. He was charged with kidnapping, assault, intimidation, and several other offences. He was denied bail and is expected to appear in court later this month, with another court date scheduled for October.
The court heard that police found a “heavy set, metal chain link padlocked to her right ankle,” connected to the bed frame, confirming the abuse.
Social Media Users Outraged
The case has triggered massive outrage online, with many describing the abuse as “inhuman” and “feral.”
“Feral. I’m glad she managed to escape during that short time out of the home,” one user wrote.
“Hope he’s locked up in similar conditions,” another commented.
A third user added, “Frightening. I hope he is now in jail and won’t get bail. IMO, torture, cruelty, coercive control, kidnapping. After sentencing and jail, he should have tracking for 5 years. This guy seems dangerous, and the likelihood of reoffending seems very high.”
This horrifying case has once again put a spotlight on coercive control and domestic violence in Australia, with calls for stricter monitoring and harsher punishments for abusers. As the case unfolds, advocacy groups hope it leads to stronger legislation and awareness surrounding intimate partner violence.
