Man invented kidnap plot to swindle mum
AMAN claimed he had been kidnapped and tied up in a derelict building – in order to be sent large amounts of money from his mother which he said had been demanded of him.
Cardiff Crown Court heard that on August 29 last year Sylvia Bird contacted the police at 10.30pm as she was concerned about the safety of her son, Luke Bird. She had given him money at “the behest” of others, and was worried about his wellbeing.
Paul Hewitt, prosecuting, said that police began investigating the possible kidnap of Bird and put resources into addressing the matter.
He was eventually found by police outside a Greggs bakery in Grand Avenue, Cardiff, the following day at 8.15am.
Officers then spoke to him and took an account from him, informing him that they took a view that he had been kidnapped by others for money.
The 40-year-old told police he had been manhandled, and met others who took him to a derelict building and restrained him with cable ties. He explained that he did not know who they were, but needed to get them money. He claimed he asked his mother for help, and she transferred him a substantial amount of money in £200£300 lots. He claimed he was taken to a cashpoint and returned to the derelict building, before making one last payment of £500. The full amount of money was not stated in court.
Police said they would drive Bird around various areas he was said to have been taken to. A statement from Chief Superintendent Valentine explained that they put into place “crime in action” in response to the belief he had been kidnapped, and even drafted in the likes of hostage negotiators and counter-terrorist specialist firearm officers. The cost of the resources designated to the incident was £29,300.
But upon review of CCTV footage retracing where Bird, of Avondale Road, Sebastopol, in Pontypool, said he had been that evening, police learned Bird’s whereabouts was not what he had told them, and they became “very suspicious.” He maintained his account was accurate upon interview, but it became apparent it was not true as the evidence did not support what he said, the court heard. He was subsequently charged with the offence.
Bird appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing, having admitted carrying out an act to pervert the course of justice.
Mitigating, his solicitor, Harry Baker said: “You will see from the pre-sentence report that he has a mental health background, he has a personality disorder, and no doubt when that is accompanied by the consumption of drugs he is not a law-abiding citizen. There has been a consultation showing that people are prepared to take an effort with him given that, no doubt, he shows he can be trusted. A mental health treatment requirement is being recommended.”
Bird was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
He must undergo a mental health treatment for 12 months and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.