A man and his son equipped their vehicle with blue lights to pose as law enforcement officials before abducting a victim.
James Ball senior, aged 37, and his 18-year-old son, James Ball junior, were in a car tailing a taxi when they assaulted a man inside. Ball senior forcefully removed the man from the taxi and forced him into their own vehicle, declaring, “You are coming with me,” in Leek, near Stoke-on-Trent. Subsequently, the son struck the victim’s head with a dart, causing bleeding, while his father continued the aggression.
The frightening incident unfolded on March 10, concluding abruptly when Ball Senior admitted his mistake and instructed the victim to leave.
During the trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Prosecutor Jennifer Devans-Tamakloe detailed how the Vauxhall, with its blue lights flashing, deceived the taxi driver into thinking it was the police. Ball Senior, donning a reflective jacket, alighted from the Vauxhall, approached the taxi, and forcibly removed the passenger, directing him into their car.
The victim was subjected to physical assault, dragged into the vehicle, and driven recklessly by Ball Senior, causing him to fear for his safety. The court was informed that Ball Senior made numerous attempts to strike the man during the ordeal.
The victim reported that Ball junior also attempted to assault him, albeit to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, the younger Ball did use a dart to strike the victim’s head, resulting in bleeding.
Eventually, Ball senior acknowledged the mistaken identity, allowing the victim to exit the car. The victim sustained injuries including scratches, a dart graze, and feelings of fear and intimidation.
Both individuals, residing on Beatty Road in Leek, pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges. Ball junior confessed to assault causing bodily harm, while Ball senior admitted to impersonating a police officer. As a consequence, Ball senior received a three-year prison sentence, and his son was incarcerated for 27 months.
In their defense, Steve Hennessy, representing Ball Senior, emphasized that the accused displayed uncharacteristic behavior and took full responsibility for his actions. Kelly Cyples, representing James Ball junior, highlighted that the incident was not premeditated, asserting his lack of awareness regarding any debt or plan. James Ball junior expressed genuine remorse for his involvement in the events.
Judge Richard McConaghy condemned the actions of the father-son duo, describing how they used blue lights to deceive the victim and the taxi driver, enacted physical violence, and perpetuated a false police officer pretense. The judge noted evidence suggesting a level of planning in the form of the reflective jacket and the utilization of blue lights.