A man was kidnapped and savagely beaten after announcing his new relationship on Facebook.
By Jason King
A father and son kidnapped, tortured, and robbed a man in a revenge attack over his rekindled relationship with a woman they once had ties to.
Steven Baker, 60, and Matthew Baker, 29, both from Tyseley, lured Anthony Cooper into a car, beat him, and subjected him to a prolonged and vicious ordeal as part of a 5 person gang, Birmingham Crown Court heard. The pair disapproved of Mr Cooper’s relationship with Bethany Love, with Matthew Baker having previously been involved with her.
Prosecutor Lynette McClement said the pair had spread false rumours branding Mr Cooper a rapist and paedophile before orchestrating a honeytrap plot to attack him. On October 3, 2021, their associate Shannon Wolleter, 29, sent flirtatious messages to Mr Cooper and arranged to meet him, acting as bait.
Five people were involved in the honeytrap kidnapping plot, and all five pleaded guilty to various offences:
• Steven Baker, 60 (kidnap, unlawful wounding)
• Matthew Baker, 29 (kidnap, unlawful wounding)
• Shannon Wolleter, 29 (kidnap, unlawful wounding)
• Daniel Aston, 33 (kidnap, unlawful wounding, robbery)
• David Bambrough, 41 (assault occasioning actual bodily harm)
While Bambrough was not involved in the initial honeytrap setup, he participated in the violence at his HMO. The other four were directly involved in luring, kidnapping, and attacking Anthony Cooper.
As Mr Cooper arrived, Wolleter messaged her then-boyfriend, Daniel Aston, 33, confirming she had “got him.” Moments later, Steven Baker pulled up in a Mercedes estate, punched Mr Cooper in the face, and forced him into the car, where his son Matthew Baker and Aston joined in the assault.
Mr Cooper was throttled, punched, and threatened with a knife as they drove to a HMO in Small Heath, run by their associate David Bambrough, 41. There, he was pushed onto a bed, repeatedly struck with a metal bar, and beaten so violently that his screams raised concern among neighbours.
Fearing police attention, the gang drove him to a park, where the attack continued. The Bakers, Aston, and Wolleter kicked him while he lay on the ground, with Wolleter stamping on his genitals. At one point, Mr Cooper cried out in pain, only for Steven Baker to sneer: “Good, you deserve it.”
Matthew Baker documented the attack, taking photos of the bloodied and dazed victim and sending them to others. Mr Cooper’s phone and bank card were stolen before he was dumped near his home. His flatmates later found him unconscious on the doorstep and called the police.
All five attackers worked at the same homeless charity as the victim. They pleaded guilty to charges including kidnap and unlawful wounding. Aston also admitted robbery, while Bambrough pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They will be sentenced at a later date.
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
SENTENCING FOR KIDNAP AND VIOLENT ASSAULT
Kidnapping is a serious offence under UK law, typically charged under common law rather than statute. It involves the unlawful taking and carrying away of a person by force or fraud, without their consent. Punishment varies depending on the severity of the offence, but those convicted can face life imprisonment.
In cases involving violent assaults, charges often include unlawful wounding (Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861) or grievous bodily harm with intent (Section 18 of the same Act). The latter carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of sustained or premeditated attacks.
Where a victim is falsely imprisoned, additional charges may apply under false imprisonment, another common law offence punishable by life imprisonment. Aggravating factors, such as multiple offenders, the use of weapons, or prolonged violence, can significantly increase sentences.
In this case, the offenders pleaded guilty to kidnap and unlawful wounding, with one also admitting to robbery. Their sentencing will reflect both the violence involved and the lasting impact on the victim, reinforcing the courts’ strong stance on crimes involving coercion and brutality.
New Sentencing Guidelines for kidnap and false imprisonment will be brought in on 1st April.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Jason King
Birmingham City-Desk
Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews
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