A musician was kidnapped, ordered to strip and then stabbed to the face during a terrifying ordeal on Christmas Day. Paul Edwards was one member of an armed gang which arrived at a nightclub 'for the purpose of robbing people', Manchester Crown Court heard.
Revellers had been at the Tinapa nightclub in Openshaw in the early hours of Christmas Day in 2019, where live music had been performed. Three of the musicians were sat outside in an Audi after performing their set.
Edwards, armed with a knife, and three other men who had weapons including a machete then threatened the trio. The driver of the Audi ran off, and after seeing 34-year-old Edwards was armed, the second man fled.
READ MORE : Police officer charged with attempted murder pictured for the first time
The gang got into the Audi, apparently believing it was empty. “Who the f*** are you?”," one asked after seeing a third man was still in the car.
He pleaded with the gang to let him go. Instead he was kidnapped and subjected to a terrifying ordeal, prosecutor David Bentley said.
“You’re gonna die tonight," Edwards told him. "We’re gonna kill you."
After being driven around in the Audi, the gang stopped in a 'remote location', thought to be a car park or alley in Openshaw. He was told to get out and strip.
"Fearing for his life, he did," the judge, Recorder Neil Usher said. The victim took off his clothes and shoes, leaving him wearing just a top and shorts.
The gang told him they wanted his possessions. Edwards moved closer to the victim, who pushed him away.
During a scuffle, Edwards slashed him in the face with his knife. Shortly after the victim ran away, and was chased by Edwards who eventually gave up.
The victim was found by police who had been called. He suffered wounds to his nose and eyebrow which were stitched at hospital.
The Audi was found about a week later, with Edwards' blood discovered inside. Sentencing, the judge told him: "Your victims were innocent bystanders.
"This, I have no doubt was a terrifying experience for both of your victims." He said the kidnap victim had been subjected to 'gratuitous humiliation and degradation'.
Edwards was declared a 'dangerous' offender and handed a nine year prison sentence, with an extra four years on licence. He will have to serve two-thirds of his sentence before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.
Defending, Richard Brigden said Edwards had been working as a landscaper at the time, and had been trying to live a 'pro-social life'. Edwards, of Littleham Walk, Gorton, was found guilty of two counts of robbery, one count of kidnap and one count of wounding with intent. He pleaded guilty to one count of section 47 assault.
Sign up to our courts newsletter to get the latest updates to your inbox
READ NEXT:
