A gang orchestrated a violent attack on a man by luring him into a trap over a dispute involving a Facebook relationship status.
Steven Baker, 60, and his son Matthew Baker, 29, devised the plot to target Anthony Cooper after his ex-partner confirmed on social media that they had rekindled their relationship. The attack took place in Birmingham and involved multiple individuals who worked at a homeless charity.
To set the plan in motion, the Bakers enlisted 29-year-old Shannon Wolleter, who messaged Anthony under false pretenses, claiming she had broken up with her own partner, Daniel Aston, also known as Paddy.
She reassured the victim, saying, “I really, really like you,” prompting him to express fear, responding, “I’m scared of Paddy, he will kill me.” Wolleter then convinced him by stating, “No he won’t, I’m single now, I’m not with him anymore.” Once Anthony agreed to meet, Wolleter informed the Bakers, saying, “Got him.”
Steven Baker then forced Anthony into his Mercedes and took him to a flat, where Matthew Baker threatened to cut off his legs and tongue. Meanwhile, Aston strangled and punched him. David Bambrough, whose home was used for the assault, joined in by kicking Anthony, while Steven Baker struck him over the head with a metal bar.
The violence continued in a park, where Wolleter participated by kicking and standing on Anthony’s genitals. Prosecutor Lynette McClement described the brutality, saying, “He remembers screaming, ‘You are hurting me,’ and remembers Steven Baker saying, ‘Good, you deserve it,’ and he didn’t know why he deserved it.”
Anthony was eventually released but was robbed of his phone and bank card. He was later found unconscious at his doorstep by his flatmates and taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The five defendants were initially set to face trial but pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Wolleter admitted to kidnap and unlawful wounding. Steven and Matthew Baker also pleaded guilty to kidnap and unlawful wounding.
Aston admitted to kidnap, robbery, and unlawful wounding, while Bambrough pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. All five are awaiting sentencing.
Source: Linda Ikeji Blog
