A man and his son equipped their vehicle with blue lights to pose as police officers before abducting a victim. James Ball senior, 37, and his son, James Ball junior, 18, were in a car tailing a taxi when they assaulted the man inside. The elder Ball forcibly removed the man from the cab and forced him into their vehicle in Leek, near Stoke-on-Trent. The younger Ball then struck the victim’s head with a dart, causing bleeding, while his father continued the attack.
The terrifying incident occurred on March 10 and ended abruptly when Ball Senior realized his mistake and instructed the victim to leave. According to the prosecution at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the Vauxhall with blue lights misled the taxi driver into stopping, believing it was law enforcement. Ball Senior, donned in a hi-vis jacket, dragged the victim out of the taxi, physically assaulted him, and forcibly took him into the Vauxhall.
The victim attempted to defend himself but was overpowered by the Balls. Ball Senior’s reckless driving further intimidated the victim, with reports indicating that he attempted to strike the man multiple times. The victim mentioned that Ball junior also tried to harm him, albeit to a lesser extent. However, the younger Ball did strike the victim’s head with a dart, causing injury.
Ultimately, Ball Senior acknowledged his error, allowing the victim to exit the vehicle. The victim sustained injuries including a dart graze, scratches, and pain, leaving him fearful. Both men, residing on Beatty Road in Leek, pleaded guilty to kidnapping. Ball junior confessed to assault causing bodily harm, while Ball senior admitted to impersonating a police officer. Ball senior received a three-year prison sentence, while his son was imprisoned for 27 months.
During the court proceedings, Steve Hennessy, representing Ball senior, highlighted that the behavior was uncharacteristic for his client, who was described by acquaintances as a reliable family man. Kelly Cyples, on behalf of James Ball junior, emphasized that the incident was not premeditated, stating that the younger Ball regretted his actions and was unaware of any underlying issues. The presiding Judge, Richard McConaghy, condemned the pair’s actions, noting their deliberate deception using blue lights and the violent nature of the assault.