Birmingham Kidnapper Sentenced to 16 Years for Sadistic Plot
Luke Hazell, aged 38, has been handed a 16-year prison sentence with an extended five-year licence at Birmingham Crown Court for his role in a 'sadistic' kidnap plot. The court heard that Hazell meticulously planned the attack, which involved snatching a man from a Lozells street and holding him captive for five days of brutal torture.
Gruesome Details of the Kidnap Plot
In January 2023, Hazell orchestrated a kidnapping where the victim was tied up, beaten with weapons, burned with boiling water, and had the tip of a finger sliced off. The kidnappers demanded up to £3 million from the victim's family before dumping him naked in Winson Green. Hazell was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, false imprisonment, blackmail, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Links to Notorious Burger Bar Boys Gang
A probation report revealed that Hazell associated with the Burger Bar Boys as a juvenile. This notorious Handsworth gang has been responsible for decades of drug-fuelled violence and death in Birmingham. Despite his barrister downplaying these links, stating Hazell is 'a drug dealer but not involved with gangs,' the judge noted his criminal associations.
Involvement in Infamous 2012 Prison Van Escape
Hazell's criminal history includes involvement in one of the UK's most infamous crimes. In January 2012, he was convicted of conspiracy to assist in the escape of John Anslow, a flashy drugs baron, from a prison van in Worcestershire. Anslow, who became Britain's most wanted man, was on the run for over a year before being arrested in northern Cyprus.
Extensive Criminal Record Prior to Kidnap
Prior to the 2023 kidnap plot, Hazell racked up 11 convictions and 35 offences. His past includes a five-year sentence for an aggravated burglary at age 20, where he held a knife to someone's throat, and an eight-year sentence for possessing a firearm and ammunition at age 23. Judge Kerry Maylin concluded Hazell is 'dangerous' and poses a significant risk of committing further serious offences.
