Image source, West Yorkshire Police
Image caption, Jahrico Smith-Gardener, Zarie Jackson-Burchall and Shanikae Smith-Gardener were sentenced at Bradford Crown Court
5 minutes ago
Three people have been jailed after a man was kidnapped and held against his will, with his family forced to pay money to secure his release.
Zarie Jackson-Burchall, 28, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison at Bradford Crown Court.
Shanikae Smith-Gardener, 28, and Jahrico Smith-Gardener, 25, were both sentenced to five years in prison.
West Yorkshire Police said the perpetrators left the victim “in fear of his life”.
They said the man was chased and attacked on Lonsdale Street in Bradford on August 12, 2022, before being abducted.
After being forced into a vehicle, he was driven to an address on Popple Street in Sheffield where he was held against his will and assaulted.
The suspects then called the victim’s family to demand money for his release.
Armed officers later entered the scene, located the suspects and made a number of arrests.
The victim suffered minor injuries.
‘Long Trial’
Jackson-Burchall, of Mansfield Street in Nottingham, and Shanikae Smith-Gardener, of Popple Street in Sheffield, were sentenced at a hearing on Friday after both were convicted of kidnapping and false imprisonment following a trial.
Jahrico Smith-Gardener, of Popple Street in Sheffield, pleaded guilty before trial to blackmail, kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.
Two more women were acquitted of all charges at trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Freeman, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “We are pleased with the sentence after what has been a long ordeal for the victim.
“This was a serious offense and these three perpetrators left the victim in fear for his life.
“Luckily he was only slightly injured.”
