Mamma Mia, kidnapped Luigi mascot returns to Sheoak
LUIGI has returned.
The much-loved plastic mascot of the Sheoak Shack at Fingal Head has returned after being "kidnapped" almost five months ago.
Cafe owner Andrea McKay said he was just standing by a tree along a stretch of road that she had driven by "a million times" when she noticed him.
"He was just beside the road standing under a tree," Ms McKay said.
At this stage it is unclear if Luigi had escaped from his captors as the famous Italian chef is keeping tight-lipped about his ordeal.
"He was covered with grass stains," Ms McKay said.
"We do have to do a few repairs on him."
In the brazen kidnapping Luigi was taken about 8pm on May 26 while people were enjoying dinner in the gallery cafe.
Melissa Putra was working the night Luigi was abducted and pursued the offenders.
"A man first tried to roll Luigi away but that didn't work so he put him under his arm and jogged down the road," Ms Putra said.
"I took off in pursuit of the man."
Ms Putra said when she rounded the corner she saw five people removing Luigi's timber base to put him in a waiting car and she yelled "give back my Luigi."
Ms McKay said acted quickly after reports of his sighting.
"I received several phone calls informing early Friday morning so I jumped in my car and rescued him," she said.
"He is a bit worse for wear but is still smiling."
