GROUP WHO KIDNAPPED MAN BEFORE SUBJECTING HIM TO TORTURE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT JAILED
The Major Crime Team for Surrey and Sussex launched an inquiry after a neighbor contacted authorities about an incident involving the victim.The neighbor reported that on April 26, 2025, the victim was abducted from his home by two or three men in balaclavas.
The victim was then taken to an address in Reigate, where he was blindfolded and forcibly fed.
He was later transported to Farnborough, where he was subjected to repeated torture and sexual assault.
The following day, the abductors communicated with the victim’s brother via text messages, making a series of demands.
Officers from Hampshire Constabulary located the victim at approximately 4:30 pm on that day.
Levi Burton, aged 31, received a 12-year prison sentence after being found guilty of sexual assault and involvement in the kidnapping scheme, the lengthiest sentence given to any group member.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, said: “As soon as we became aware that a kidnap had taken place, officers worked at pace to locate the victim as quickly as possible.
“He was located the day after he’d been kidnapped, and had been subjected to what amounted to torture at the hands of Armstrong, Burton, Love, Swyer and Thompson.
“No one should have to endure the ordeal they had put him through and the sentencing today has ensured they will spend a long time in prison, where they belong.”
