Less Than 4 Years To Be Served In Kidnapping, Blackmail And Firearms Case

The firm represented two brothers in a serious multi-handed case.  Our clients were charged with conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, imitation-firearm offences and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.  

The prosecution case was that the complainant was forced into a vehicle, threatened with an imitation firearm and driven between locations while demands for £30,000 were made to friends for his safe return.  

Our clients transferred to this firm having been unhappy with the advice and lack of preparation from their previous legal team. Our team acted fast, and undertook extensive preparation of their defences. This included preparation of expert reports from two psychologists, a modern slavery expert, and a telephone download expert. A drugs expert was also contemplated as the case progressed. These reports produced such persuasive evidence that we were able to draft and submit representations that this case should no longer be prosecuted.  

Though our clients eventually chose to plead guilty a number of the allegations, this was only after they were satisfied no stone had been left unturned with regard to defence enquiries.  

Following negotiations and guilty pleas, a number of counts were ordered to lie on the file. The defendants ultimately pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.  

At sentence, counsel advanced detailed mitigation addressing the defendants’ youth and relative immaturity, lack of previous convictions, remorse, family support, positive character references, employment history and rehabilitation in custody. Submissions also addressed credit for the guilty pleas, the applicable guidelines, delay and prison conditions, and whether the statutory dangerousness test required an extended sentence.  

Despite the risk of a starting point as high as 11 years, both brothers received sentences of under 7 years and 3 months. The Court accepted our submissions that extended sentences were not required, meaning our clients would both serve under 4 years imprisonment.  

Phoebe Coleman was the solicitor of conduct this case. Fiona Clegg and Bozzie Sheffi of Mountford Chambers were instructed counsel.