Man jailed for kidnap after distressed woman found locked in boot of gold Mercedes in Canary Wharf

Patrick Grafton-Green30 September 2017
WEST END FINAL

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A man has been jailed for kidnap after a distressed woman was found locked in boot of his car in Canary Wharf.

Shafak Abbas, 24, of Wickford Street, Bethnal Green, was sentenced on Friday to 15 months’ in prison.

Abbas was stopped by police in Kingfield Street at about midday on April 18 while driving a gold Mercedes.

After he behaved evasively when questioned, officers searched his vehicle and found a BB gun in the foot-well of the passenger seat.

In footage captured by officers' body-worn cameras, Abbas then told the officers that a 26-year-old woman, who was known to him, was locked in the boot of the car. The victim was discovered crying and distressed.

He was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, firearms offences, and driving offences and later charged with kidnap, driving whilst disqualified, no insurance and possession of a firearm.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Chris Bailey, said: “Body Worn Video evidence has greatly assisted us in securing this conviction. We will not tolerate violence and will do everything in our power to secure a prosecution and to ensure that justice is done."

Abbas, who had already been disqualified from driving, has further been disqualified until June 2021.

He was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court following a four-day trial.

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