A man has been jailed for six years for kidnapping and assaulting his ex-partner after tracking her to a hotel in York. Leon Harvey, 43, of Burke Street in Scunthorpe, forced the victim out of the hotel, assaulted her, and then forced her into his car.
Attack at York hotel
On the afternoon of Saturday, September 13, 2025, the victim had been sitting at the hotel for less than five minutes when Harvey interrupted her and marched her out. Once outside, he punched and kicked her, causing her to fall and injure her face, lip, and knee.
According to North Yorkshire Police, Harvey told the victim he had a tracker on her vehicle. He took her mobile phone and said she had to come with him in his vehicle.
Arrest and investigation
Officers soon caught up with the vehicle, and Harvey was arrested. He was found in possession of the victim's phone and keys. Digital forensic work on Harvey's phone revealed tracking apps such as 'find my phone', which he had used to follow the victim. Emails recovered from his device showed he had been subscribing to tracking companies.
During police interviews, Harvey claimed he was in a relationship with the victim, despite the relationship having ended months earlier. He denied kidnapping or assaulting her, arguing you could not kidnap someone you were in a relationship with.
Court outcome
Harvey was found guilty by a jury following a four-day trial in April. He was jailed at York Crown Court on August 6. He was also handed a 20-year restraining order, preventing any contact with the victim.
Investigating officer PC Simone Frost said: "In his interviews, Harvey showed no remorse and it was clear he believed he had every right to act the way he did. He showed typical abusive behaviour which was possessive and entitled."
"The victim has shown great courage throughout. Thankfully this sentence puts an end to Harvey’s coercive and controlling behaviour and, I hope, goes some way in helping the victim move forward with her life."
"I hope this sentence encourages other victims, who are suffering at the hands of abusers, to come forward and report what is happening to them."
