Nine men involved in the false imprisonment, blackmail, and torture of three men at a South Shields garage have been jailed. The group lured their victims to a lock-up on Fowler Street on September 18 last year, before imprisoning them and subjecting them to extreme violence. The attackers used tools such as a blowtorch and a spade to torture the victims while demanding significant sums of money from them and their families.
The victims, who sustained serious injuries, were treated at the hospital following the ordeal. Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) quickly launched an inquiry, resulting in the arrest of the suspects across the North East. Nine men were charged with multiple offences.
In April, seven of the offenders pleaded guilty to two counts of false imprisonment and one count of blackmail at Newcastle Crown Court. Two others admitted to affray in June. Sentencing has been ongoing this month, with the following individuals receiving their prison terms:
- Craig Seales, 38, of Rembrandt Avenue, South Shields: 10 years, four months
- Daniel Lake, 33, of Landseer Gardens, South Shields: 11 years, eight months (with an additional 28 months on extended licence)
- Samantha Olsen, 36, of Sheridan Road, South Shields: 8 years, six months
- Jonathon Ferguson, 31, of Quarry Lane, South Shields: 8 years, six months
- Iain Sutherland, 34, of Marigold Walk, South Shields: 9 years, six months
- Kasim Thompson, 35, of Cedar Grove, South Shields: 9 years
- Grant Maclean, 25, of Bluebell Way, South Shields: 9 years, three months
- Jonathon Mason, 35, of Pine Avenue, South Shields: 15 months
- Liam Price, 30, of Oak Avenue, South Shields: 15 months
Northumbria Police Detective Inspector Mark Atherton, who led the investigation, described the case as a “terrifying ordeal” for the victims. He stated, “This incident stemmed from organised criminal activity related to drug dealing, and these offenders set out to punish and intimidate their victims. The violence was sustained and significant.”
DI Atherton commended the bravery of the victims and praised the teamwork between specialist detectives and the CPS North East Complex Casework Unit, which resulted in the conviction of the violent offenders.
The investigation was part of Operation Sentinel, Northumbria Police’s initiative to tackle serious organised crime. The force continues its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and bringing offenders to justice.
