Legal News

Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London has convicted three men who forced a 15-year-old boy into a car on charges of conspiracy to commit false imprisonment.

The court heard that on Tuesday, 7 April this year at around 8am, brothers Arber Syla, 21 and Liljan Syl, 19, along with an associate, Delston Galloway, 21 – all of Aldriche Way in London E4 – got out of a car and grabbed hold of the boy while he was waiting at a bus stop to go to school. They forced him into the car and drove off.

The boy was assaulted in the car and was taken to an unknown location, where he was held for around ten hours by the suspects – who interrogated him, believing he was a member of a rival gang.

The teenager was later released after the trio realised they had taken the wrong person.

The boy called the police, but he was reluctant to provide a statement or assist police with their investigation, through fear of reprisals.

However, detectives managed to gain the victim's confidence and that of his family – and he eventually spoke out, naming the suspects involved.

Arber and Liljan Syla were arrested and charged on Friday, 10 April.

Galloway was to be identified later as the third suspect and he was arrested and charged with kidnap on Wednesday, 15 April.

After the trial, Detective Constable Stephen Eyres – Investigating officer Waltham Forest CID – said:

“The victim was put through a horrific ordeal – and was so frightened that at first he was unwilling to speak to us, as he feared he and his family would be subject to reprisals.

“I am pleased that the Syla brothers and Galloway have been found guilty today – and this verdict should demonstrate that we will do everything within our power to bring violent criminals to justice.”

The trio will be sentenced on Friday, 27 November at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

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