A gang of criminals who kidnapped a man and stole hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cryptocurrency have been sentenced to a combined total of over 75 years in prison. The group terrorized their victim between January and November 2023, subjecting him to violent assaults and threatening him with a gun and machetes.
The victim, who was held captive and drugged with morphine, was eventually freed after he handed over cryptocurrency valued at more than £100,000. The attackers had also threatened to assault him if he failed to comply.
The gang’s downfall came after police tracked down their DNA, which had been left on cigarette butts at the scene. Police also used mobile phone data to link the perpetrators to the crime scene.
The victim was discovered on December 2 at an address in Irlam, after an anonymous tip-off. He was found with a burn mark on his hand and bruises from repeated assaults. He described being forced to wear a bag over his head and locked in a cupboard, as well as being beaten and held overnight multiple times.
Authorities seized a range of weapons during their investigation, including firearms, knives, machetes, and imitation weapons, as well as restraints such as cables, ropes, and ties. Documents found at the property helped identify the gang members, and further phone analysis confirmed their involvement.
At Manchester Crown Court, the following sentences were handed down:
Jonathan Newns, 24, from Salford, was sentenced to 20 years for attempted robbery, false imprisonment, kidnap, and possession of a prohibited firearm.
David Povey, 38, from Whitefield, also received a 20-year sentence for robbery, kidnap, false imprisonment, and attempted robbery.
Luke Johnson, 25, from Eccles, was jailed for 13 years and six months for attempted robbery, false imprisonment, and kidnap.
Gary Edwards, 47, from Cadishead, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and was sentenced to 10 years and two months.
Kane Godiff, 33, of no fixed address, received seven years and five months for attempted robbery.
Karl Johnson, 35, from Irlam, was sentenced to three years for encouraging or assisting robbery.
Scott Armstrong, 39, of no fixed abode, was jailed for two years and four months for transferring criminal property.
This case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by organized criminal gangs and the effectiveness of modern investigative techniques in securing convictions.
