Kidnap, cocaine, GBH and weapon charges after Stafford crash drama

A third man arrested nearby the two alleged kidnappers has admitted supplying cocaine.

Ryan Mercer and Scott Norris, both from Brighton, were detained in Stafford on Wednesday afternoon when cash, cocaine and a gun were found in a Volvo car Mercer was allegedly driving.

The men were arrested after the Volvo collided with a police car on Hyde Lea Bank at around 5.40pm.

Both men appeared in court today where they each denied six charges related to supplying cocaine, possessing a weapon, GBH, kidnap and possessing criminal property.

Mercer also pleaded not guilty to a further charge of dangerous driving.

The Volvo is thought to have been in another collision around 25 minutes before it hit the police car.

In that incident a Hyundai car crashed through a brick wall and ended up in a hedge with its boot open on nearby Burton Bank Lane at around 5.15pm.

It is not known who was driving the Hyundai.

Shortly after the crash between the Hyundai and the Volvo, Ronald Holdway, also from Brighton, was found injured on Uplands Road, a street around an equal distance away from both crashes.

Holdway, 54 and of Manor Way, was arrested after being treated in hospital. Today he pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine and acquiring or possessing criminal property.

Mercer, 35 and of Haybourne Road, and Scott John Norris, 33 and of Whitehawk Road, pleaded not guilty to the following six offences:

• Kidnap

• Inflicting grievous bodily harm

• Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine)

• Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (cocaine)

• Acquiring/using/possessing criminal property

• Possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid/gas/electrical incapacitation device

All three men appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme today and were remanded in custody to appear before Stafford Crown Court.

Mercer and Norris are due to appear on July 26 ahead of a trial.