Duo jailed for their part in kidnap gang chase

Two men have been jailed for their part in kidnapping and beating a teenager.

Jamie Lawrence, 22, and Michael Townsend, 36, formed part of a five-man gang which chased a boy in their van in Middlesbrough on 1 June 2024.

Cleveland Police said the boy was grabbed, beaten and dragged along the road before he fled.

Lawrence and Townsend, of no fixed abode and who were convicted of kidnap, wounding and possessing an offensive weapon, were jailed for eight and half years and nine and half years respectively at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.

During the incident, the boy tried to get away on his bike but was blocked in by the van and then hit with weapons numerous times before he fell and was dragged inside the vehicle, the court heard.

His bike was thrown into the back of the vehicle and he was bundled inside with a knife and one trainer being left at the scene.

A short time later, members of the public said the boy was thrown out of the van into the middle of the road on Ormesby Bank.

He was then dragged along with his hands tied until he managed to break free.

Other members of the gang were sentenced on Monday.

Jack Carlsson, 22, of Roworth Road, was jailed for 10 years for kidnap, wounding with intent and possessing a sword.

Shaun Thompson, 30, of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years and six months for kidnap, wounding with intent and possessing a sword and machete.

His brother, Lewis Thompson, 26, of Premier Road, was jailed for seven years and six months for the same offences.

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