Shaun Freeman, a 29-year-old man, has denied his involvement in a kidnapping and torture plot, refuting accusations that he provided information to the group responsible. Alongside Freeman, Delroy Chin, 47, faces charges of conspiracy to kidnap for allegedly placing trackers on the victim’s car.
Freeman maintained his innocence, stating, ‘I would never do something like that.’ He acknowledged his friendship with Michael Etuhu, one of the convicted kidnappers, but denied any knowledge of the planned attack. Freeman claimed that the internet search for the victim on his phone could have been conducted by Etuhu, who occasionally borrowed his device due to lack of data or Wi-Fi. He also denied having any information about the notes on his phone that included the victim’s registration plate.
When Freeman was confronted with his presence at a meeting with the victim a month before the kidnapping, where prosecutors alleged the group planted a tracker on the victim’s car, he admitted attending the meeting but denied knowledge of the other men’s presence. He explained his message to Etuhu about ordering food, saying that he couldn’t recall the context of the conversation and denied any involvement in the tracker placement.
Freeman and Chin have pleaded not guilty to the conspiracy to kidnap charges. The trial is ongoing at Manchester Crown Court.
