Brighton Man Locked Up for Kidnapping Horror in Hove
Five Years Behind Bars for Cameron Boxall
A 22-year-old from Brighton has been jailed for five years after a chilling kidnapping in Hove last summer. Cameron Boxall was sentenced at Brighton Crown Court on 9 May 2025.
He pleaded guilty to a string of offences including kidnapping, vehicle theft, and possession of cannabis.
The Dreadful Abduction on Church Road
On 5 August 2024 around 5pm, a 20-year-old woman was walking along Church Road, Hove, when she spotted a suspicious black Mini parked nearby. The driver, later identified as Boxall, asked for directions before forcefully shoving her into the stolen car’s passenger seat. She bravely kept her legs outside the vehicle, preventing the door from closing fully.
Just a short distance down the road, Boxall pushed her out and sped off. Shocked witnesses rushed to the victim’s aid and called Sussex Police immediately.
Police Hunt Leads to Arrest
The stolen Mini, taken from Brighton the night before and sporting false plates, was quickly recovered by detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team. CCTV footage and mobile phone data nailed Boxall at the scene.
Investigators worked tirelessly, scouring hundreds of hours of CCTV, visiting over 700 homes, tracing clothing purchases, and tracking mobile phone locations. Despite attempts to deny guilt and shift blame, the evidence crushed Boxall’s defence.
Harsh Sentencing for a Dangerous Offender
- Kidnapping
- Theft of a vehicle
- Theft from a vehicle
- Driving without licence or insurance
- Making off without payment
- Possession of cannabis
Boxall received a seven-year extended sentence: five years behind bars and two years on licence, under UK sentencing guidelines.
Detective Sergeant Jack Sagar said: “Thanks to the victim’s bravery and our team’s determined work, we secured a conviction and removed a dangerous offender from our streets.”
Community Reacts: Outrage and Praise
Superintendent Petra Lazar praised the police effort, stating, “This case shows our absolute commitment to tackling violence against women. We will not tolerate this behaviour and will pursue offenders with the full force of the law.”
Locals took to social media expressing outrage and support:
“That poor woman. Thank God she escaped. Five years isn’t nearly enough.”
“Big respect to the passers-by who helped her. You’re heroes too.”
Support and Reporting
Sussex Police urge anyone affected by violence or harassment to come forward. Victim Support services are available.
To report a crime:
- Call 101
- Report online: sussex.police.uk
- Anonymous tip-off via Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
