A 38-year-old man endured a harrowing ordeal of abduction and torture at the hands of a group of five individuals, who have now been sentenced to a collective 36 years in prison. The victim was subjected to what police described as 'horrific' acts, including force-feeding, sexual assault, and being threatened with agitated dogs, in a prolonged abuse spanning locations in Surrey and Hampshire.
Abduction and Initial Assault
The incident began on April 26 last year when the victim's neighbour alerted police, reporting that the man had been kidnapped by two or three men wearing balaclavas. He was then taken to an address in Reigate, Surrey, where he was blindfolded and force-fed, according to Surrey Police. At this property, two dogs were deliberately agitated to instill fear in the victim, making him believe they would attack him.
Prolonged Abuse and Sexual Assault
The victim was subsequently moved to an address in Farnborough, Hampshire, where he faced a prolonged assault and sexual assault. The following day, his brother received multiple calls with demands to secure his release. However, at around 4.30pm that day, officers from Hampshire Constabulary successfully located the victim and arrested four suspects: Reece Armstrong, Tarelle Thompson, Lorna Swyer, and Levi Burton. Further investigation identified Sebastian Love as the individual making the demand calls, leading to his arrest and charging.
Sentencing Details
All five were sentenced on February 20 at Guildford Crown Court following a six-week trial in December 2025. The sentences are as follows:
- Reece Armstrong, 30, from Staines-upon-Thames: Found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, Section 18 assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment, consecutive to an unrelated five-year sentence imposed in July 2025.
- Tarelle Thompson, 28, from Croydon: Found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap and possession of an offensive weapon. He received nine years imprisonment and five years on licence.
- Lorna Swyer, 21, of Dorking: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and common assault. She was given three years and four months imprisonment.
- Sebastian Love, 21, from Merton: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap. He was handed three years and four months imprisonment.
- Levi Burton, 31, from Leatherhead: Found guilty of sexual assault and had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap, false imprisonment, and assaulting a police officer. Sentenced on February 23, he received 12 years imprisonment and five years on licence, and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Police Response and Statement
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, commented on the case, stating: 'As soon as we became aware that a kidnap had taken place, officers worked at pace to locate the victim as quickly as possible. He was located the day after he'd been kidnapped, and had been subjected to what amounted to torture at the hands of Armstrong, Burton, Love, Swyer and Thompson. No one should have to endure the ordeal they had put him through and the sentencing today has ensured they will spend a long time in prison, where they belong.'
The swift police action and subsequent trial have brought justice for the victim, highlighting the severity of the crimes committed by this group.
