An armed gang kidnapped a musician before ordering him to strip and stabbing him in the face during a 'terrifying' attack on Christmas Day. Paul Edwards was part of the group of assailants who arrived at Tinapa nightclub in Openshaw 'for the purpose of robbing people' on December 25, 2019.
Three musicians, who had just finished performing at the venue, were sitting outside in an Audi when the gang appeared, Manchester Evening News reports. Edwards, brandishing a knife, and three other men who were carrying weapons including a machete then threatened the trio.
The driver ran off, with a second man following closely behind him after noticing that the group were armed, Manchester Crown Court heard. Believing the vehicle was empty, the attackers then got into the car before realising that a third man was still inside and said “Who the f*** are you?”
The man begged the gang to let him go, but they instead kidnapped him. Prosecutor David Bentley said Edwards then told the victim: "You’re gonna die tonight, we’re gonna kill you."
After driving around in the Audi, the group arrived at a 'remote location' thought to be a car park or alley in Openshaw. The man was then told to get out the car and strip.
"Fearing for his life, he did," the judge, Recorder Neil Usher said. He took off his clothes and shoes, and was left wearing just a top and shorts.
The gang then told him to hand over his possessions, at which point Edwards approached the man. He was pushed away and a struggle ensued, during which Edwards slashed the man in the face with his knife.
The man then made a break for it and was pursued by Edwards, who eventually gave up. Police were called and the victim was found by officers. His injuries included a cut to his nose and eyebrow which required stitches.
A week later the Audi was found, 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, 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.
He was deemed a 'dangerous' offender and sentenced to nine years in prison, 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'.
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