Four in court on kidnap charges

Four Kent men have appeared before magistrates in Maidstone accused of offences involving kidnap and violence.

Avtar Singh, 27, Gurwinder Jutty, 20, Asim Rana, 23, and Sukhjinder Pooney, 19, all from Gravesend, were arrested in the town on 29 October.

Each has been charged with conspiracy to kidnap, causing grievous bodily harm and three counts of false imprisonment.

A fifth man was also charged and is due in court on Friday. Pleas are expected to be entered in January next year.

The court heard on Monday that Baljinder Singh was allegedly kidnapped in Gravesend and ransoms of £20,000 and £30,000 were demanded.

All the defendants, except Mr Jutty, appeared in court via a video link from Elmley Prison, on the Isle of Sheppey, where they are being held in custody.