Young Woman Kidnapped in Hove After Man’s Shocking Car Snatch
A 21-year-old man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a young woman in Hove after luring her with a fake request for directions. Cameron Boxall, formerly of Brighton, admitted to kidnap, vehicle theft, driving offences, theft from a vehicle, and cannabis possession at Hove Crown Court on 31 January.
Trap Set in Black Mini
The terrifying ordeal happened in the early hours of 5 August last year. The 20-year-old victim was walking home from work when Boxall, sitting in a black Mini at the junction of Church Road and Palmeira Avenue, first approached her.
After she supplied directions, Boxall followed her to Selbourne Road, pulled up in the Mini, and forced her into the passenger seat. Despite the horror, she bravely fought back, keeping her legs outside the car and holding the door open as he tried to drive off.
Boxall then pushed her out after a short distance and sped away. The shaken woman flagged down passersby who alerted police.
Stolen Car Linked to Petrol Theft and Kidnap
Police quickly launched a hunt for the black Mini. It was discovered stolen from Brighton the night before. The same car had also been used to steal petrol from a Woodingdean garage earlier that day.
The Mini was recovered the same evening, and Boxall was soon arrested. Officers found him wearing clothes matching those in CCTV footage of the driver at the scene. Mobile phone data also placed him near the crime.
Police Praise Victim’s Bravery
“This was an incredibly distressing incident for the victim, and I commend her for the immense strength and bravery she showed throughout the ordeal and during our subsequent investigation,” said Detective Inspector Duncan Elliott from Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team.
“With her details plus police intelligence, urgent house-to-house enquiries, and CCTV, we swiftly identified Boxall as the suspect and brought him into custody. We built a strong case which led to a guilty plea, ensuring this dangerous, predatory offender has been caught.”
