Three men have been jailed after a “frightening” kidnap over claims about stolen copper.

The victim was snatched from outside a Bradford tattoo parlour and driven around in a van while demands were made for money. He was also hit with a hammer during the ordeal.

The three-man gang has been jailed by Judge David Hatton QC at Bradford Crown Court.

John McDonagh, 31, of Lower Grange Close, Lower Grange, Bradford, and John Stokes, 32, of Bedivere Road, Lower Grange, were both found guilty of kidnap and blackmail and both jailed for a total of three years.

William Stokes, 30, of Upper Green, Great Horton, Bradford, pleaded guilty to blackmail and was jailed for a year.

A 13-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, was found not guilty of kidnap.

The incident happened in the afternoon, on October 31 last year. The victim, 29-year-old Damien Webster, had been having work done at a tattoo parlour in Great Horton Road and had gone outside for a break when he was confronted by McDonagh and John Stokes.

He was taken to his van parked nearby and forced to drive off.

Police said the kidnappers alleged the victim and another man had stolen copper from them. Mr Webster denied any involvement, but the men continued to detain him in his van.

He was assaulted with a hammer and driven around Bradford while threats were made and demands for him to pay £350.

But the complainant’s girlfriend’s parents were in contact with police, who intercepted the van and arrested the suspects.

Mr Webster was not seriously injured. After the case the investigating officer, Detective Constable Alan Sergeant, of Bradford South CID, said: “These men used intimidation and excessive violence in order to obtain money from the victim. Officers reacted quickly to apprehend those involved and ensure a swift conclusion to the situation. This must have been an exceptionally frightening experience.”