Two brothers who kidnapped an innocent 14-year-old boy in a case of mistaken identity have been sentenced.
David and Neil Stevenson grabbed the boy and bundled him into the back of a black Nissan car before driving off at speed.
A court heard they believed he had stolen an e-scooter belonging to a young family member – but got the wrong person.
As they drove him away from Hucknall and towards the Bulwell area, the brothers repeatedly threatened the boy – including saying they would chop off his legs – if he didn’t tell them where the scooter was.
Eventually realising they had the wrong person, the brothers drove the boy back to Hucknall and let him go. As they did, one of the brothers said words to the effect of, ‘you better find out who stole the scooter or we will kill you’.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the kidnapping took place in Nabbs Lane, Hucknall, on 24 April 2023. The incident was captured on CCTV and police tracked the brothers down by attending the registered address of the black Nissan Qashqai.
Both brothers were arrested and charged with kidnapping. They pleaded guilty and were sentenced today (25 July 2023).
David Stevenson, aged 51, of The Common, Hucknall, was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
Neil Stevenson, aged 41, of Dawlish Close, Hucknall, was also jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Ryan Lambert, who investigated the kidnapping, said: “A child being kidnapped in broad daylight is every parent’s worst nightmare and so I am pleased David and Neil Stevenson have been dealt with by the courts.
“By taking the law into their own hands, they put an innocent child through an extremely frightening ordeal – one that will stay with them for a very long time.
“I hope the conclusion of the court proceedings gives the child and their family a sense of closure and that they can now begin to put what happened behind them.
“Vigilante behaviour won’t be tolerated in Nottinghamshire and hopefully this case will make people think twice before taking matters into their own hands or get involved in any unlawful activity.
“Where any criminal offences are committed, I would urge people to report offences so we can take appropriate action.”
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