BIRMINGHAM GANG BRANDED 'ANIMALS' AFTER HONEYTRAP BEATING
A gang involved in a honeytrap scheme systematically lured and violently assaulted their own friend, Anthony Cooper, over a debt of £150.Daniel Aston, Shannon Wolleter, Steven Baker, and his son Matthew Baker plotted to set a trap for Anthony because they disapproved of his relationship and because he owed them money.
Shannon Wolleter acted as bait by texting Anthony with romantic interest, leading him into a trap where he was dragged into a silver Mercedes, beaten, and threatened with harm.
Steven Baker was heard shouting derogatory language, including "come here, you little c***," as he attacked Anthony, while Matthew Baker threatened to cut off his legs.
During the attack, Matthew Baker recorded videos of the assault to share on social media.
After the assault, Anthony was taken to a car park and dropped near his address, where he received treatment for his injuries.
The group was subsequently arrested, and the judge, Dean Kershaw, branded them as “animals,” describing their actions as “cowardly, planned and vile.” Aston received a sentence of five years and eight months; Wolleter was sentenced to two years and ten months.
Steven and Matthew Baker were given sentences of three years and nine months each.
David Bambrough, 41, was handed a six-month suspended sentence for allowing his flat to be used during the attack.
The prosecution revealed that Anthony had met the gang through a homelessness charity and considered them friends, but their friendship deteriorated after he started dating a woman named Bethany Love.
The court heard that Steven Baker viewed her as a daughter and that Matthew Baker might have been involved with her in the past.
The gang also falsely accused Anthony of being a paedophile and sex offender, despite no grounds.
Anthony described how the ordeal left him unable to trust his friends and made him reluctant to make new ones, emphasizing the emotional and physical trauma caused by their actions.
