A woman was lured to Prince Charles Avenue in Bowburn, County Durham, kidnapped, and assaulted after being forced into a van by two men before escaping
Details of Kidnapping Case at Teesside Crown Court
Paul Oxnard recruited John Jefferson in a scheme to kidnap a woman and force her to repay stolen money, according to Teesside Crown Court.
The pair from County Durham were caught on CCTV dragging her into a van. The woman escaped after being punched in the face by 52-year-old Oxnard.
Prosecutor Caroline McGurk stated that the victim was left terrified after being kidnapped off the street and forced into the van.
Incident Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Location | Prince Charles Avenue, Bowburn, County Durham |
| Amount Stolen | £80 and £1,500 |
| Date of Kidnapping | July 17, 2024 |
| Date of Assault | August 11, 2024 |
| Jefferson’s Sentence | 6 years and 6 months |
| Oxnard’s Sentence | 16 months suspended for 2 years |
The court heard that Oxnard accused the woman of stealing £80 from him after she had previously stolen around £1,500 from him to buy drugs. The victim was lured to the area with the promise of a cigarette before the two men forced her into the van.
McGurk explained, “She left the shop and Jefferson dragged her along the ground down some steps, over a brick wall and to the van.” A teenager assisted in the kidnapping and received a ten-month referral order.
Once inside the van, Oxnard punched the victim in the face before she managed to escape.
Victim’s Statement and Additional Charges
In her personal statement, the victim said the incident left her “physically and emotionally unwell.” She now feels terrified to leave her home.
McGurk noted that Jefferson was convicted of a separate robbery and attempted grievous bodily harm. In that case, he attacked a victim with a knuckleduster, leaving him with facial injuries.
The stolen necklace from that incident was recovered from Jefferson’s home.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Jefferson, of Windsor Street, Trimdon Station, pleaded guilty to kidnap and was found guilty of robbery and attempted GBH. Oxnard, of Mickle Grove, Leeholme, near Bishop Auckland, also pleaded guilty to kidnap and assault.
Defense attorney Tony Davis argued that Jefferson did not plan the kidnapping. He stated, “He has to be sentenced for what we can see on camera, in which unfortunately she was dragged to the van but within the matter of two seconds had escaped from the back.”
Regarding the second charge, Davis mentioned that the victim’s injuries were not as severe as initially thought.
Oxnard’s attorney, Brian Mark, highlighted his client’s medical issues, which could complicate serving time in prison. He noted that the prosecution accepted Oxnard’s basis of plea as significant mitigation.
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Richard Bennett sentenced Jefferson to six years and six months for all offenses. He imposed a 16-month suspended sentence for Oxnard.
“Both of you were involved in a kidnap where she was dragged into your van, Oxnard,” the judge stated. “While there was a background of theft by the victim, this did not justify your actions.”
Oxnard was ordered to attend 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and was placed under a restraining order to protect the victim. The teenager involved cannot be named for legal reasons.
