Duo jailed for kidnapping pensioner

By Rob Virtue on August 26, 2009 2:48 PM |

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An elderly war hero was kidnapped and robbed of over £10,000 in what police described as a "terrifying ordeal".

Last Friday at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Nabeel Mahmood, 20, of Mare Street E2, and Craig Clarke, 32, of Forest Gate, both pleaded guilty of robbery, kidnapping and burglary and were each sentenced to six years in prison for the attack.

The kidnappers had seized the 88-year-old victim after he collected rent from two garages he owned in E2 on March 21 this year.

He was bundled into the back of van, gagged and robbed of his cash and freedom pass.

At the same time, members of the gang, who are yet to be found, burgled the victim's home in Cable Street, taking about £10,000.

The victim was eventually rescued because a member of the public had seen the kidnapping and gave the police the van's registration number.

Patrolling officers saw the vehicle before the freeing the man and arresting the kidnappers.

Police say the victim, who does not wish to be named, has had his life turned around - from being independent to rarely leaving his home.

DC Darcia Babb said: "This was a heinous crime on a vulnerable male who had war injuries. He was subjected to a terrifying ordeal and the heavy sentence reflects the seriousness of this.

"We must thank the member of the public for contacting the police as this was crucial in enabling these men to be caught red handed."