A “wannabe gangster” and his lieutenant were locked up for a total of eight years today after they kidnapped a man for seven hours, repeatedly beating him and burning his hands with a cigarette lighter in Walsall.
Mohammed Ikram and David Smith subjected their victim to the terrifying ordeal after suspecting he had stolen from them.
Judge Michael Challinor sentenced Ikram, aged 25, to five years and Smith, 23, to three at Wolverhampton Crown Court today. The pair pleaded guilty on March 3.
Ikram admitted kidnap, assault, threats to kill and possession of an imitation firearm and Smith admitted kidnap and assault.
Miss Sarah Buckingham, prosecuting, said the pair, both of Dalkeith Street, Birchills, were running a “criminal enterprise” in December 2006.
She said: “Ikram was the boss and he ruled with a rod of iron. This offence sent a message out to the community of ‘don’t mess with us’.”
Miss Buckingham said Ikram and Smith believed Norman Williams had stolen from them.
Defending Ikram, Mr Richard Davenport said he had no previous convictions.
He said:”This defendant is not a violent gangster. He may be a wannabe gangster.” Defending Smith, Miss Michelle Brown said the father-of-two was deeply sorry for his actions and was scared of Ikram.
Judge Challinor said: “What turned you to behave in this monstrous way is difficult to establish.”
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