Group jailed for 'heinous' kidnap and torture

A group who kidnapped and tortured a man have been jailed for a total of 36 years.

Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team launched an investigation after someone in Dorking reported on 26 April 2025 that their neighbour - 38-year-old man - had been taken by men in balaclavas.

The victim was taken to an address in Reigate, where he was blindfolded, force-fed and scared by two agitated dogs, according to officers.

He was then subjected to a prolonged attack and sexual assault at a different location in Hampshire, they added.

The following day the victim's brother received multiple calls making demands to secure his release.

Later that day police found the victim at the address in Farnborough.

Levi Burton, 31, Lorna Swyer, 21, Tarelle Thompson, 28, and Reece Armstrong, 30, were arrested and charged.

Sebastian Love, 21, was later charged after being identified by police as having called the victim's brother.

The five were sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday.

No-one should have to "endure the ordeal" the group put the victim through, said Det Ch Insp Kimball Edey.

He said the sentencing had "ensured they will spend a long time in prison, where they belong".

Edey previously called the group's action's "heinous".

Armstrong and Thompson were found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap following a six-week trial in December 2025.

Armstrong, from Staines-upon-Thames, was also found guilty of assault and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon.

Thompson, of Croydon, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.

The pair were each given nine years' imprisonment.

Swyer, of Dorking, admitted to conspiracy to kidnap and common assault, while Love from Merton, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap.

They were both sentenced to three years and four months behind bars.

Burton, from Leatherhead, was found guilty of sexual assault and had already admitted to conspiracy to kidnap, false imprisonment and assaulting a police officer.

He was sentenced on Monday and received 12 years' imprisonment and five years on licence.

The 31-year-old will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

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