A distressed woman was enticed to a drug house, restrained with electric cables, and subjected to robbery and torture by individuals she considered friends for an extended period.
Jeanette Martin, 33, and Shevonne Wright, 42, collaborated to assault the woman at a residence frequented by drug users in Harehills, Leeds, on November 16 last year. During the court proceedings at Leeds Crown Court held via video link from HMP New Hall, it was revealed that Martin had invited the victim to assist with decorating a property in Bayswater Grove. The victim, who had previous acquaintances with both defendants but had relocated from the area, was coerced into the harrowing experience at the drug den.
According to prosecutor Shannon Woodley, the victim was led into a seemingly abandoned property by Martin, where she was directed to an attic room furnished with a makeshift mattress. Subsequently, Wright joined Martin in physically assaulting the victim.
The assault intensified as they physically abused the woman, eventually utilizing electrical cables to bind her. Wright proceeded to sit on the victim’s chest and deliver punches. Martin then proceeded to strangle the victim with a cable, leading to her losing consciousness. The assault continued with threats of murder and demands for money, resulting in the victim surrendering cash, a bank card, and phone details to the perpetrators.
Martin was instructed to withdraw cash from the victim’s account while Wright maintained control over her. The victim recounted hearing Wright making intimidating phone calls while continuing the physical abuse. Eventually, a visitor untied the victim, who was then able to contact the authorities.
Following their arrest, Wright and Martin admitted to the robbery charges, supported by DNA evidence and incriminating phone conversations discussing their actions. The victim, traumatized by the incident, described the lasting impact on her mental health and trust issues as a result of the betrayal by individuals she once considered friends.
During sentencing, the defendants were each handed a six-year and two-month prison term, accompanied by indefinite restraining orders to prevent contact with the victim. The judge emphasized the premeditated and severe nature of the attack, acknowledging the profound impact on the victim’s well-being.