Will Paynter, instructed by Stuart Harris of HP Gower, secures acquittals in eight-week cryptocurrency kidnap and false imprisonment trial
Following an eight-week trial at Inner London Crown Court, Will Paynter secured not guilty verdicts for his client who faced trial on counts of false imprisonment and joint possession of a bladed article. Seven defendants in total stood trial.
The prosecution case relied on cell site, phone data, CCTV, surveillance footage and forensic evidence. The defence team carefully analysed all this material.
The Crown alleged that the complainants, two French cryptocurrency investors, were lured to an address under the false pretence of a drug deal and were then kidnapped.
The Complainants were taken to an address where they were extorted for cryptocurrency by way of torture and threats. The Crown alleged that when the Complainants had provided all the cryptocurrency they could, it was arranged for the complainants to be transported to another location.
Will’s client was the driver and provider of the car for the three defendants said to be the transport crew. The ‘stronghold’ address had been under surveillance by the Flying Squad and the vehicle after leaving the address was intercepted by armed police and his client crashed the car after a high speed pursuit.
The two bound ‘hostages’ had been held in the back of the car between two co-defendants (who were both convicted of false imprisonment). The complainants also said they had been threatened with a large knife whilst in the car.
Will’s client gave evidence and was carefully taken through his account of how he thought he was simply doing a driving job and was unaware the men in the back were being falsely imprisoned. He also maintained he was unaware of any knife. He explained he ran in panic after the crash as he knew his driving had been dangerous and was scared.
The jury acquitted Will’s client on both counts of false imprisonment and possession of a bladed article.
To instruct Will Paynter, please contact clerks@15nbs.com
www.thesun.co.uk/news/39949183/crypto-millionaires-kidnapped-stripped-blackmail-plot/
