Lincolnshire MP's agent is jailed over kidnap plot
Five people, including the agent of Lincolnshire MP John Hayes, have been jailed for their parts in a kidnap.
Craig Jackson, 40, of Wharf Street, Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, was jailed for two years and eight months after admitting conspiracy to kidnap.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Jackson plotted to kidnap his brother-in-law Lawrence Marshall after learning he had racked up large gambling debts.
Two other men and two women were also jailed for their parts in the plot.
Andrew Sayer, 40 of Moons Green, Moulton, Lincolnshire, and Ian Barnes, 40, of Cloudesley Road, St Leonards on Sea, Sussex, were also jailed for two years and eight months after admitting conspiracy to kidnap.
Angela Skeels, 37, Jackson's sister and wife of Mr Lawrence, of Crown Lodge in Holbeach Clough, and Gina Page, 47, of Estuary Close, in Kings Lynn, were both jailed for six months after admitting conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
The court heard how Jackson, who worked as an agent for skills minister John Hayes and as a researcher for Stephen O'Brien, the parliamentary-under-secretary of state for international development, had wanted to teach Mr Marshall a lesson after learning his brother-in-law had got into trouble with loan sharks as a result of heavy gambling.
Mr Marshall was attacked by Jackson and his two friends Sayer and Barnes after visiting his wife, Skeels, at her home to discuss a possible reconciliation.
David Herbert prosecuting, said Mr Marshall was punched to the face and body, was overpowered and bundled into his own car.
As the car approached Peterborough, he wound down the window and jumped out while the vehicle was still moving and managed to raise the alarm.
In passing sentence, Judge Michael Heath, said: "This was a nasty, unpleasant offence. It terrified Marshall. It was planned and he was subjected to violence and intimidation.
"I am surprise that you, with your record of service to democracy, should have engaged yourself in these unlawful activities. It has to be an immediate, custodial sentence."