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Thursday, 2nd September 2010

Kidnapping gang jailed for total of 21 years

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Published Date:
03 July 2009
Four men who conspired to kidnap a rival gang member have been jailed for a total of 21 years.
Hafiz Razaq, 24, of Chester Road, together with Asrar Khan, 27, of Dove Street and Zahid Khan, 32, of Goldfinch Street, all Deepdale, each admitted conspiracy to kidnap Mohammed Beg and assaulting him causing actual bodily harm.

Ibrar Khan, 27, of Dove Street, Deepdale, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to kidnap charge.

At Preston Crown Court Judge Edward Slinger told the men: "This offence specifically led to attempted murder by shooting, and there must be deterrent sentences for gang warfare of this kind.

"Violence by groups and gangs brings terror to communities and many people are affected."

Razaq was jailed for seven years with two years concurrent for actual bodily harm (ABH).

Zahid Khan was jailed for seven years with 18 months concurrent for ABH.

Asraf Khan was jailed for four years with 18 months concurrent for ABH.

Ibrar Khan will serve three-and-a-half years.

The case of a fifth man will be heard later.

The court previously heard that Mr Beg was kidnapped in April last year as frictions grew between two drugs gangs from Deepdale and Fishwick.

The Deepdale gang spotted Mr Beg's car, deliberately crashed into his BMW and dragged him into their van, which was driven to Burnley.

Seemingly in retaliation, an alleged associate of the kidnappers was shot in the throat on a Preston street.

Mr Beg was released later that day.

A sixth defendant, Sohail Patel, 27, of St Thomas Road, Deepdale, who denied taking part in the kidnap, was found not guilty on judge's direction.

Det Insp Des Coop, who led the inquiry for the force major incident team, said he was pleased with the result.

He added: "The people of Preston should feel reassured that crimes of this nature will often involve known groups of criminals, and normal members of the community are not usually affected.

"The sentences should serve as a strong warning to anyone who thinks serious violent crime is acceptable."

He went on: "Lancashire police is putting all its efforts into tackling this type of criminality.

"We will fully investigate anyone who is suspected of being involved and, if they are found to have committed an offence, we will bring them to justice."

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  • Last Updated: 03 July 2009 5:46 PM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Preston
 
 
 


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