Kidnap gang bundled man into car and beat him

Police caught the gang within 90 minutes of the alarm being raised

A man was grabbed off the street by five men who then took turns to beat him, a court heard.

Greater Manchester Police said the gang bundled their victim into a car in Chester Avenue, Dukinfield, Tameside in the early hours of 24 January 2024, holding a knife to his cheek at one point.

They were given jailed sentences ranging two years, one month to eight and a half years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Det Ch Insp Christopher Dean, of GMP's Tameside district, said: "This group of men are very dangerous individuals and I am glad that they are behind bars and with time to think about their abhorrent actions."

Knife threat

GMP said the victim was abducted at about 02:00 GMT over a drugs dispute.

He was led to his attackers by Lafferty and a female accomplice.

He was thrown into a silver BMW and driven away, while the men took turns in punching and assaulting him over a 15 minutes period.

He was left with a bruised face, cuts to his mouth, and a black eye.

Holding his head down so no-one could see him, they took him to an address in South Manchester and continued the attack.

He was later allowed to leave and took himself to hospital.

'Truly vile'

All five men admitted their offences.

Daniel Hague, 33, of Hudson Road, Blackpool, was jailed for eight and a half years for false imprisonment and assault.

Paul Doherty, 36, of Hornby Road , Blackpool, was jailed for two years, eight months for false imprisonment and assault.

Marshall Redfern, 24, of Egerton Road, Blackpool, was jailed for three years, five months, for false imprisonment, assault, and an unrelated robbery offence.

Joshua Oakes, 29, of Charles Street, Blackpool, was jailed for two years, six months for false imprisonment and assault.

Jack Lafferty, 21, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years, six months for assault and conspiracy to kidnap.

Blood on clothes

Hague, Doherty, Redfern, and Oakes were arrested when police intercepted the car as it headed to Blackpool about 90 minutes after the alarm was raised.

All four had blood on their clothes, while Doherty had blood stained hands.

Officers also found rings that had the "appearance of pointed weapons", a lock knife, a metal bar, and just under 200 g (7oz) of cocaine with an estimated value of £20,000.

DCI Dean said: "To take someone off the street and attack them in such a brutal manner is truly vile, and the injuries sustained by the man were equally shocking.

"Tackling violence of this kind and the issues that start it – namely drugs, conflicts, and illicit dealing – is a top priority for us, and anyone who commits such an act can expect a visit from us."