Kidnapped and stabbed

A TEENAGER feared for his life after he was kidnapped and stabbed in a case of mistaken identity.

The Royal Court heard how Nathan Thomson, 18, was bundled into a car, driven round, repeatedly punched and stabbed with a sharp implement in the 15-minute ordeal by Derek Marsh.

A friend of the victim, Josh Jones, owed Marsh money. After mistaking him for Mr Jones, Marsh decided to send a message to him via Mr Thomson.

Also in the car was Marsh's girlfriend, Nikita Brehaut, 20, and Brehaut's grandmother Suzanne Bourgaize, 51, who also appeared in court.

Brehaut was charged with assault, to which she pleaded guilty, and Bourgaize with kidnap, which she admitted. Marsh pleaded guilty to kidnap.

Advocate Alan Merrien said that Brehaut's assault was minor, as Mr Thomson himself had said it did not hurt.

Magistrate Russell Finch said that this was the first kidnap case he had come across in 21 years.

The message had to be sent out that this was not tolerated.

'He was in fear of his life, which you can understand despite the short time frame,' said Mr Finch. 'It's a very serious matter.'

Marsh was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, starting from October 2008.

Bourgaize was given 240 hours of community service and Brehaut 120 hours of community service.