A distressed individual was enticed to a drug house, restrained with electric cords, and subjected to robbery and torture by acquaintances over a period of six hours. Jeanette Martin, 33, collaborated with fellow addict Shevonne Wright, 42, in perpetrating the assault at a residence frequented by drug users in Harehills, Leeds, on November 16 the previous year.
During a virtual appearance at Leeds Crown Court from separate locations at HMP New Hall, it was revealed that Martin had enlisted the victim to assist with decorating a property in Bayswater Grove. The victim was then coerced into the harrowing ordeal after meeting Martin the following day at the location.
According to prosecutor Shannon Woodley, the victim was familiar to both defendants but had relocated from the area prior to being lured to the drug den. Woodley stated that Martin led the victim into a seemingly vacant property filled with debris, where she was subsequently assaulted by Wright and Martin in an attic room.
The victim endured physical assaults, including being restrained with electrical cables by Martin and punched by Wright. Martin proceeded to choke the victim with a cable until she lost consciousness, while making threats on her life. The defendants seized £70 in cash, the victim’s bank card, and phone, coercing her to reveal her PIN.
Martin was instructed to withdraw cash using the victim’s bank card, taking £160 from the victim’s account. Meanwhile, Wright continued to torment the victim, making threatening phone calls in her presence. The victim was left tied up and subjected to further violence for an extended period.
Eventually, a man was alerted by Wright and intervened to release the victim, who then contacted the authorities. Both Wright and Martin were apprehended and eventually admitted to robbery charges. DNA evidence and phone records confirmed their presence and planning of the crime.
In a statement, the victim recounted the traumatic experience and its lasting impact on her mental health. She expressed profound fear, distrust, and ongoing trauma as a result of the incident. The court sentenced Wright and Martin to six years and two months in prison, issuing indefinite restraining orders against them to protect the victim from further harm.
