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Julian Hughes-JohnA former British athlete now serving a prison sentence for kidnapping.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Julian Hugez-John: From Olympic Hope to Kidnapper
- Return to Crime and Kidnapping
- The Kidnapping
- Arrest and Sentencing
- The Judge's Assessment
- A Fourth Accomplice
Julian Hugez-John: From Olympic Hope to Kidnapper
Early Life and Bobsleigh CareerJulian Hugez-John was once a promising bobsledder who represented Great Britain. However, his sporting aspirations came to an end when he was denied an American visa due to a past conviction for armed robbery.
Return to Crime and Kidnapping
After being denied the visa, Hugez-John returned to a life of crime. This time, he became involved in the more lucrative business of kidnapping. Along with two accomplices, Dean Raeside and Dean Wright, he targeted wealthy individuals.
The Kidnapping
In 2014, Hugez-John and his accomplices kidnapped a 32-year-old man at gunpoint from his home in Luton, Bedfordshire. The victim was held captive for 25 minutes and suffered a fractured ankle.
Arrest and Sentencing
The kidnappers were apprehended by police after they fled from a suspicious van. Hugez-John was convicted of kidnapping and grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Raeside received the same sentence, with a minimum of six years to serve. The driver of the van was sentenced to 11 years.
The Judge's Assessment
Judge David Farrell described Hugez-John's crime as "particularly serious" due to his high intelligence and cold-blooded calculation. He imposed an extended sentence and a restraining order to prevent Hugez-John from profiting from his crime.
A Fourth Accomplice
It is believed that a fourth person was involved in the kidnapping but has not yet been apprehended. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.
