Three men have been jailed for a combined total of over three years after they attacked a man in a Smethwick park and demanded £8,000 from his family in a blackmail plot.
Attack in West Smethwick Park
The victim was walking through West Smethwick Park at around 1.45am on September 16 when he was approached by three assailants who assaulted him. West Midlands Police received a 999 call reporting that a man was being held, with the suspects demanding £8,000 for his safe return.
The offenders claimed they were armed and threatened to harm the victim if the cash was not transferred to their bank account. The offender's car was spotted by officers just before 6am the following day and stopped by an armed response team on Holly Lane, Smethwick, with the victim found inside.
Arrest and Sentencing
Officers arrested all three men and, after hearing something hit the floor, discovered and seized a lock knife. The trio appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 24. Harpreet Singh, aged 21, of Arden Road, Smethwick, pleaded guilty to blackmail and assault. Harman Ram, aged 21, of Grove Lane, Lozells, pleaded guilty to blackmail and assault. Mashood Ahmed, aged 20, of Holiday Road, Soho, also pleaded guilty to blackmail and assault.
All three men were each sentenced to three years and four months in prison for their crimes.
Police Comment
DC Emma Simpson, who led the investigation, said: “Thankfully the victim was not seriously injured but this was a scary incident for the victim and his family. But thanks to the work of our officers and specialised teams on the day and during the investigation that followed, I’m pleased all three men will now serve time behind bars.”
