At the origin of this whole affair: 400 €. This is the amount owed by the victim to one of the accused. Three men were tried for kidnapping and forcible confinement before the Bayonne court on Tuesday, October 26. A fourth appeared only for violence.
An unpaid debt
The facts date back to the summer of 2018. The versions exhibited at the bar diverge. For the prosecution, the € 400 borrowed by the victim was linked to drug trafficking. For one of the defendants, it was a simple loan between acquaintances. Still, the victim does not reimburse. One of the accused then allegedly beat the victim up to get him to pay. This man, who appeared only for violence risks up to € 1,500 in fines.
Hit and then kidnapped
Fearing for his life, the victim flees. The accused then went to one of his friends to threaten him. A few days later, and after several intimidations, the friend gives in and reveals the whereabouts of the victim. Three of the accused then allegedly abducted the victim and held him for 4 days.
Different types of abuse
During these 4 days, the victim allegedly suffered several beatings, but also beatings, on several occasions. Before the court the versions diverge. Difficult for the judges to disentangle who did what.
The prosecution requires sentences ranging from 15 months to 4 years in prison. The case is under advisement, a judgment will be rendered on November 16.