The Prosecution alleged that the defendants travelled from Sheffield to Bradford and kidnapped the complainant as part of a joint enterprise in order to reclaim money they were owed. It was alleged that they attacked the complainant before taking him at knifepoint to the car. The complainant was then driven back to Sheffield where it was alleged some of the defendants tortured the complainant over several hours, culminating in a raid by armed police in which the complainant was found alone in the kitchen of the unlocked property in which he had allegedly been held. There was CCTV of events in Bradford, and recordings of phone calls made to the complainant’s father in which demands for money were made by the complainant.
The case involved non defendant bad character applications in respect of the complainant’s alleged involvement in a number of frauds and complex issues in the trial arose around the complainant exercising his right against self incrimination in response to cross examination about the central issues in the case, abuse of process arising therefrom and whether inferences were to be drawn from the Defendants’ silence in the circumstances (as none gave evidence).
Andrew Pickin, instructed by Best Solicitors represented ZB, who was found guilty of kidnapping and false imprisonment but not guilty of blackmail, s18 GBH and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Daniel Penman, instructed by the Johnson Partnership represented SD, who was unanimously found not guilty of kidnapping, false imprisonment and blackmail.
Daniel Ingham, instructed by Law 24 Solicitors, represented GB who was found not guilty of kidnapping following a successful submission of no case to answer.”