Two individuals who lured a man to an address in Coventry, where he was tied up, blackmailed, and later burgled, have been sentenced to significant prison terms.
The victim, a 19-year-old from Essex, travelled to Coventry on 16 December 2023 to complete the legitimate sale of designer goods. However, upon entering the property, he was ambushed by Dontae Anderson and a teenage accomplice.
The assailants pulled a bag over the victim’s head, tied him up, and made demands for large sums of money. They also seized the victim’s house keys, leaving him abandoned at the location. The victim managed to escape hours later, shaken but without significant physical injuries.
While the victim was held captive, the offenders, joined by a third accomplice, Alize Anderson, travelled to Essex and burgled his home.
An immediate investigation led to the trio’s arrest when their vehicle was intercepted in Northamptonshire during the early hours of the following day. Stolen property was recovered, and all three were charged.
On 26 November at Coventry Crown Court, the following sentences were handed down:
- Dontae Anderson, 21, from Sewall Highway, Coventry, was jailed for seven years and two months for burglary, false imprisonment, and blackmail.
- Alize Anderson, 22, from Dennis Road, Coventry, received two years and four months for burglary.
- A 16-year-old accomplice, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, was sentenced to five years and eight months.
Detective Sergeant Matt Marston from the Major Crime Unit stated:
“The victim was subjected to a terrifying ordeal which lasted for hours before he managed to break free. They planned this venture with the sole purpose of extracting a large sum of money, but instead, they now face a significant amount of time in jail.”