SOUTHAMPTON, England – Tyrese Lee Geddes, 20, from Eastleigh, and Barry James Smith, 20, from Southampton, have both been sentenced for their involvement in a kidnap and robbery incident in Southampton that took place in October 2024. The pair, who appeared at Southampton Crown Court in December, pleaded guilty to charges of kidnap and robbery.
The court heard that on Sunday, October 6, 2024, two victims—one 20 years old and the other 18—were approached by a group of men at Crosshouse Road car park around 5:30 p.m. The men offered drugs to the victims, but when they refused, Geddes and Smith threatened them and forced them into a vehicle.
While in the vehicle, the two men coerced the victims into making bank transfers and ATM withdrawals, stealing a total of £3,770. They later abandoned the victims at Hoglands Park, where the victims contacted the police.
An investigation was launched, and both Geddes and Smith were arrested and charged with two counts of kidnap and robbery. Geddes was additionally charged with driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
After pleading guilty at a previous hearing, Geddes was sentenced to ten years and four months in prison, while Smith received a five-year sentence.
Police Staff Investigator Katie Butler, who led the investigation, remarked, “What these two young men went through at the hands of Geddes and Smith is truly despicable, and understandably, it has had a massive impact on their lives. While the sentence won’t undo the trauma, I hope it helps the victims feel safer knowing these offenders are behind bars.”
She added, “We will not tolerate violent and intimidating crimes in Southampton, and we are committed to making the streets safer for everyone. This sentence demonstrates our efforts to hold offenders accountable.”
