A gang member's attempt to kidnap a Sydney party boat operator and hold him to ransom was dispassionate and cold, a judge has been told.
Martin Radat, 25, was found guilty of attempting to kidnap Joe Elias, brother of former NRL star Benny Elias, in March 2020.
"This is not one of those cases borne out of emotion, This was a cold, dispassionate and planned activity," the crown prosecutor said at Radat's sentencing hearing on Wednesday.
The Sydney boat operator was going for an afternoon drive in Drummoyne when his car was rammed by a vehicle carrying Radat and two others.
The three men then attempted to drag Mr Elias out of his car and lock him in their own vehicle - assaulting him in the process, the prosecutor told Downing Centre District Court.
The victim was left with injuries requiring surgery and a permanent scar.
The two other men pleaded guilty and will be eligible for release later this year.
However, throughout his trial Radat maintained his innocence.
"He attempted to give evidence in court that the person in the back of the vehicle wasn't even him - that was an extraordinary proposition," Judge Paul Conlon said.
"He's maintained that view since then, which is cause for concern because remorse and rehabilitation go hand in hand."
Judge Conlon said at this stage he "couldn't possibly see" that the offending would be at the lower range, and argued the other two offenders' sentencing was too lenient.
"When you look at the intent of these people and the incredible brazenness, that non-parole period is extraordinarily low," he said.
Radat will remain behind bars until his sentencing resumes on November 10.
