Conspiracy to kidnap

Plotting to kidnap someone is a serious offence. However, to be prosecuted does not require evidence that somebody was in fact kidnapped. What the prosecution must prove is that those involved in the conspiracy were acting together, in an expressed, implied or assumed agreement and an intention to abduct a person without their consent. The abduction can be either by force (for example, threatening somebody with a weapon) or by fraud (such as lying about who you are or where you are taking the individua).

Those charged with kidnapping often also face ancillary offences such as assault and false imprisonment. The offence of conspiracy to kidnap is treated very seriously by the courts. 

What is the sentence for conspiracy to kidnap?

The maximum sentence is life imprisonment but the sentence an individual receives is dependent on a number of factors, including.

• Age and vulnerability of the victim
• Degree of any violence or weapon used
• Previous convictions
• Whether a ransom was sought
• Whether a guilty plea was entered and at what stage in the proceedings

It is often the case that investigators will seize suspects mobile phone to try to find evidence of the conspiracy such as:

• Messages between the conspirators or the victim
• Cell siting movements of the phone – was it near to the location of the abduction or where a person was held.
• Internet search history – have searches been made about locations or individuals of significance.

If you have been accused of an offence of conspiracy to kidnap it is essential that you receive advice from lawyers who are experienced in these type of cases in order to advise you of the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution case and assist you in providing the best possible defence.

To speak to a member of the Burton Copeland team for advice on a conspiracy to kidnap case, you can either call us on 0161 827 9500 , or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you.