Three men jailed after kidnap and robbery of Benfleet dad
The trio threatened the victim's family after he refused to hand over money
Three men have been jailed for a combined total of 17 years, after kidnapping a Benfleet dad and robbing him of a large quantity of money.
The victim was approached by two men, Shorn Charles-Chance and Steven Musgrove, on a residential street in September 2019 and ordered to hand over cash.
He later drove with the men to a supermarket in Grays to withdraw the money.
A day later the victim received a further call from Charles-Chance, who ordered him to give up more money.
When he refused threats were made against the victim's family.
Police were later able to trace Shorn Charles-Chance, Steven Musgrove and Karl Curtis. All were charged and found guilty by a jury at Basildon Crown Court.
Charles Chance, 34, of Wanstead Lane, Ilford was charged with robbery, kidnap, blackmail and possession of an offensive weapon. He's been given seven years in prison.
Musgrove, 46, of York Road, Southend, and Curtis, 34, of Sycamore Close, Canvey were charged with kidnap and robbery. Each will spend five years behind bars.
Detective Inspector Yoni Adler, of Essex Police, said:
“Each of these men played key roles in a very public robbery and kidnap in Benfleet. During this incident, which was pre-planned, threats were also made against the victim and his family.
“As a result, a report was made to the police and we were very quickly able to ascertain the key players in this crime, arrest them and charge them.
“Some time has now passed since these offences took place, but these men’s victim remains understandably shaken. It continues to affect both him and his family.
“However, I hope their convictions and subsequent sentencing bring some comfort to the victim and his family.”