Trio jailed for 'honey trap' attack on teenager
The victim was lured to a building before being beaten and robbed
Last updated 6th Mar 2023
Three Hove men who robbed and assaulted a teenager after luring him to a disused building have been jailed.
The 19-year-old was beaten with metal sticks by a group of vigilantes in boiler suits, who used a 'honey trap' to lure him to the derelict car workshop in Newtown Road in Hove on March 26th, 2021.
He was forced to hand over items including his wallet, phone, rucksack and even shoes.
20-year-old Balint Besze, of New Church Road (left in picture) and 19-year-olds Theo Hallworth and Reuben Willard of Marine Avenue and Hangleton Road respectively (centre and right in picture) will each spend 27 months in a young offenders' institution.
The victim had initially been targeted following spurious reports made against him by a woman, Besze's friend.
He then formed a group which persuaded the 19-year-old woman to engage with the victim on social media, who successfully persuaded him to come to the building where the trio were planning a revenge attack.
Following the incident, the victim, without money or shoes, was able to catch a bus to a friend’s house and report it to police.
The woman was arrested and charged in connection with the incident, however she was found not fit to plead due to her mental capacity.
She was sectioned and reporting restrictions were imposed, meaning she cannot be identified.
Besze, Willard and Hallworth were arrested and charged with false imprisonment and robbery.
All three admitted the offences in their police interviews, but claimed they did not use weapons in the attack - claims which were disproved during their hearing.
They were sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on February 15th.
Investigating officer Rose Horan of Sussex Police said:
"These youths took it upon themselves to act as vigilantes in setting up a honey trap.
"The three defendants, who were of previous good character with bright futures ahead of them, now find themselves in prison for what is probably the biggest mistake they will ever make.
"The whole plot was ill conceived from the start.
"The victim was, and remains, absolutely traumatised by this incident and has shown great patience and maturity throughout the investigation."