Pair jailed for more than 23 years for violently assaulting and imprisoning man in Batley flat

Ian Pickard, 56, of Mill Bridge View, Sampson Street, in Liversedge and Stephen Turton, 33, of Dewsbury Road, in Leeds, both pleaded guilty to the offences at Leeds Crown Court on September 16.

Turton was jailed for 12 years and six months, while Pickard received a sentence of 10 years and nine months when they appeared again at Leeds Crown Court on Friday December 20.

The incident happened on April 7 this year, where the victim was taken to a flat in Batley where he was violently assaulted and kept overnight.

The two men subjected their victim, a 27-year-old man, to a vicious assault and tied up his hands and feet and wrapped a rope around his neck. He was eventually released the following morning.

The victim suffered serious injuries as a result of the attack, including a broken jaw, cheekbone, eye socket, ribs and cuts to his hand.

Detective Constable Tony Johnson, of Kirklees CID, who led the investigation, said: “This was a distressing and violent incident where a man was subjected to a terrifying ordeal.

“Detectives from Kirklees CID conducted an extensive investigation into the incident and subsequently arrested and charged both men.

“We welcome the lengthy prison sentences which have been handed to both of these individuals, which reflect the seriousness of their offending.

“I hope that the end of the court case will help the victim move forward from this incident and be assured that the people responsible have been brought to justice.”