Three Winsford individuals jailed for false imprisonment and assault
Victim endured terrifying attack before escaping
Three individuals from Winsford have been sentenced to over 18 years in prison following a conviction for false imprisonment and assault.
Millie McGreavy, Joshua Hastie, and Reece Jackson were sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Monday, 19th October, after admitting to the charges.
Reece Jackson, 35, received a sentence of seven years and six months. Millie McGreavy, 28, was sentenced to 70 months, while Joshua Hastie, 33, was jailed for five years. All three were issued indefinite restraining orders to prevent any contact with the victim.
The case began on 27th January after police received reports from a man's mother regarding threatening messages she had received about her son. The offenders demanded a ransom of £2,000, threatening to harm the victim if their demands were unmet.
Subsequent police searches led to the discovery of the victim at Hemswell Close in Winsford. The victim reported being kidnapped from his home and taken to an unknown flat, where he suffered horrific assaults.
The attackers tied him to a chair and systematically beat him, using a metal bar and forcing his head into water. They poured ammonia into his mouth during the ordeal, which lasted around 19 hours before he managed to escape.
A manhunt was initiated to capture the offenders. Joshua Hastie was found locally, while Reece Jackson and Millie McGreavy were located in Grimsby on 2nd February. All three refused to cooperate during questioning but were charged based on firm evidence.
Detective Sergeant Neil Mooney praised the officers involved for their dedication and detailed evidence collection which led the defendants to plead guilty. He also commended the bravery of the victim, acknowledging the terrifying ordeal but hoping the sentences provide some closure.