A judge called their actions "wicked" after hearing how they left their victim shaking with fear.

Businessman Tony Pattison was taken from his vehicle, which was parked at the old fairground car park in Seaton Carew in March 2004. He was tied up and blindfolded, and bundled into the back of a white Transit van at gunpoint.

Mr Pattison was then taken to a lock-up at an industrial estate in Stockton, where he was tied to a chair while his family was contacted and told to hand over cash.

The calls resulted in a huge manhunt, and after intense negotiations with Mr Pattison's captors, money was handed over at a pre-arranged meeting point which was under police surveillance before he was freed.




Michael Collins, 47, of Highland Road, Hartlepool, Peter Morrison, 47, of Marden Terrace, Cullercoats, Colin Threadgill, 45, Belle Vue Road, Middlesbrough, as well as a fourth man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were all convicted of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail in January 26 2006.

Collins and Threadgill were jailed for nine years, and Morrison was jailed for 12 years.

But the Court of Appeal quashed the original convictions and the men were re-tried at Newcastle Crown Court.

Jurors yesterday found Collins, Morrison and Threadgill guilty of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail.

The fourth man was found not guilty of all charges.

All had denied conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail.

Judge Esmond Faulks yesterday jailed Collins and Threadgill for seven-and-a-half years and Morrison for 10-and-a-half years.

The sentences are to run from the date of the original conviction in 2006.

The judge said he reduced the sentences because the convictions this time were on the basis an imitation firearm was used rather than a real one.

Judge Faulks told them: "Kidnap is a wicked offence, not just because of the fear instilled in the person who is kidnapped but also because of the fear and worry of those who are closest to him.

"It is perfectly apparent to me, listening to the transcript of the ransom demands, Mr Pattison was terrified, his voice was shaking, and the same went for his brother."

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Braithwaite, of Cleveland Police, said after the hearing: "This has been a difficult and complex investigation from day one.

"Witnesses have shown courage and perserverance during two lengthy and at times difficult trials. On behalf of Cleveland Police I would like to offer my sincere thanks to them.

"Today's verdict sends out another clear message that those who involve themselves in crimes of this nature deserve and can expect to see the inside of a prison cell for a long time."