A man who locked a door to prevent a victim's escape during a vicious and sustained attack has been sent to prison. Richard Freeman, 37, played a supporting role in the horrifying incident where the victim was tied up, beaten with weapons, and had boiling water mixed with sugar poured over him.
A Horrific Ordeal Unfolds
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the disturbing details of the assault. The court was told that Freeman was instructed to lock a door, effectively trapping the terrified victim inside with his two accomplices. While Freeman did not participate directly in the physical violence, he stood by and did nothing to intervene as the brutal attack escalated.
The victim was subjected to a prolonged ordeal, being struck with a hammer and a wooden plank. The assault reached a new level of cruelty when the attackers poured boiling water, followed by boiling water with sugar, onto him. Prosecutor Omar Majid stated that the victim sustained serious physical injuries and significant psychological harm as a result.
Complicity and The Aftermath
Freeman's involvement extended beyond simply locking the door. After the violent assault, one of the attackers took the victim's bank card and demanded his PIN. Freeman then accompanied them to a cash machine in an attempt to withdraw money. The victim later recounted to authorities that during the attack, he genuinely believed he was going to die.
Representing himself in court, Freeman admitted he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the offence. He expressed remorse, telling the court, "I want to stay away from drugs. I am sorry for what I did. I wish it never happened." He also stated his intentions to find a home and secure employment upon his release from prison.
The Sentencing
While sentencing Freeman, Recorder Robert Smith acknowledged that his role was "much lesser" and that he was the "least involved by a significant margin" compared to his co-defendants. However, the judge emphasised the gravity of Freeman's inaction.
Recorder Smith said, "What you did was to lock a door and go to a cash machine. At no point did you step in to stop what was a horrific ordeal for him. You did nothing to stop it." The judge described the offences as "really very nasty" and noted they occurred in Freeman's own home.
Freeman, of no fixed address, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and false imprisonment. He was subsequently sentenced to 32 months in prison for his part in the terrifying event.
