Sunday Express July 21, 1991 UK
Parents snatch cult girl to safety

by Kurt Parry and
Oonagh Blackman

A cult victim was safe with her family last night after a daring rescue.

The science graduate turned to the Church of Scientology - accused of using brainwashing tech- niques two years ago after a failed romance. She became addicted to its "hypnosis" teaching methods.

Her parents contacted Scientology expert Jon Caven-Atack when she began to regard everyone outside the church as an enemy.

The parents, who did not want to be identified, are now at a secret address with their daughter after a suc- cessful reunion believed to have cost thousands of pounds.

Kidnap

Mr Caven-Atack enlisted former Scientologists Jerry and Hana Whitfield, who flew to Britain from Los Angeles. They claim that from the start they were watched round the clock by Scientologists.

The three met in a small Devon town and prepared a, safe house. Devon Police, questioned them after a tip-off kidnap that they were planning to kidnap a child but the situation was explained The girl was lured to a secret address last week to see her family, who told her they wanted to talk about Scientology. Ms. Whitfield said said. "She she was 100% committed to the leader, L. Ron Hubbard. Her mum and dad were very nervous."

After three days the girl questioned Scientology, and realised she had been lied to. "The whole family seemed to come together again. She was so shocked that these people had deceived her," added Mr. Whitfield.

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