Shocking Kidnap and Torture Drama on North Tyneside
Last July 1, police raced to Coast Road, Wallsend, after a man fell from a moving white Mercedes Vito van around 7.30pm. When officers arrived, they found the 34-year-old seriously injured, wrists bound with cable ties, lying in the road.
He was rushed to hospital in critical condition. An urgent probe was launched to uncover the terrifying ordeal behind the attack.
Victims Bound and Threatened on Horrific Van Ride
Detectives had only a van description to go on. They scoured local CCTV and carried out house-to-house enquiries. That’s when a second victim, 21-year-old, came forward. He revealed he was also held captive in the van before being released in Blyth, worried sick for his injured friend.
Investigations uncovered a brutal kidnap plot. Four men – Harri Pearce, Mason Schubeler, Reece Speirs, and Ricky Fidler – broke into a home in East Howden, forcibly tied their victims, and stuffed them into the van. The kidnappers drove them around North Tyneside for over an hour, threatening them with weapons and violence.
Burnt-Out Van and High-Speed Chase After Violent Crime
Crucial evidence linked two kidnappers to purchases of the cable ties and a padlock moments before the attack at a store in Wallsend. Police later found the white Mercedes van burnt out in North Shields. They also connected a silver Ford Transit and a grey Vauxhall Astra to the crime.
In a dramatic attempt to catch Fidler on July 2, cops pursued him on the Coast Road but had to abandon the chase after he sped the Ford Transit van on the wrong side of the road to escape.
Six Sentenced for Terrorising Victims – 44 Years Between Them
The gang, plus associate Laura Watson who helped release one victim and clean up, pleaded guilty in February. Newcastle Crown Court sentenced them on April 6, handing down almost 44 years combined behind bars:
- Harri Pearce, 22: 12 years 8 months for two kidnaps, aggravated burglary, dangerous driving causing serious injury, and assault. Banned from driving for nearly 12 years with an extended re-test required.
- Mason Schubeler, 21: 11 years 9 months for two kidnaps, aggravated burglary, assaults, and involvement in Class A drug supply. Serving in a young offender institute.
- Reece Speirs, 23: 7 years 4 months for two kidnaps and assault.
- Ricky Fidler, 21: 10 years for two kidnaps, aggravated burglary, dangerous driving, and assaults. Banned from driving for over 9 years with an extended re-test.
- Laura Watson, 47: 2 years 1 month for kidnap.
This terrifying case shows the lengths some will go to terrorise others. Thankfully, swift police work brought these violent criminals to justice.
