Gang Jailed for Brutal Kidnap and Stabbing in Darwen
A chilling kidnap horror unfolded in Darwen last year, ending with three men locked up for a combined 27 years. Faisal Fareed, 23, Faizaan Fareed, 26, and Nicholas Shaw, 45, were sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Monday (October 24) after kidnapping and stabbing a man they wrongly accused of being an Albanian drug dealer.
Victim Attacked and Stabbed 14 Times
The victim, a man in his 40s, was ambushed as he returned home from work on June 13, 2021. Armed attackers bundled him into his own car and drove him to Dove Lane, Darwen. Despite realising their mistake, the men kept threatening him with knives, stabbing him 14 times and causing a collapsed lung.
After spotting a police car, the kidnappers sped off to Blackburn and abandoned the seriously injured victim in the vehicle. The victim managed to raise the alarm, was given first aid by police, and rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
Quick Police Work Snaps Up the Guilty Trio
Detectives linked the three suspects through forensic and phone evidence. The men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap, affray, assault, and conspiracy to supply drugs.
- Faisal Fareed (23), of Lawrence Street, Blackburn: 11 years for conspiracy to kidnap, affray, assault, and drug offences.
- Faizaan Fareed (26), also of Lawrence Street, Blackburn: 10 years for conspiracy to kidnap, affray, assault, and drug offences.
- Nicholas Shaw (45), of Medina Close, Accrington: 6 years for conspiracy to kidnap.
Detective Slams “Horrendous Attack”
“Both Fareeds and Shaw launched an ill-conceived plot to attack and torture the victim, believing he was an Albanian drug dealer. He was neither Albanian, nor a drug dealer,” said Detective Constable Rachel Norris of Blackburn Police. “Despite him bleeding heavily and in a serious condition, the attackers pressed knives into his chest and legs. He believed he was going to die. Even after realising their mistake and stealing his keys, they kept threatening him and drove around with him still trapped in the car. “This was an absolutely horrendous attack leaving the victim seriously injured, with long-lasting trauma. We welcome the sentences handed down today.”
