A man and his son were caught impersonating police officers after they outfitted their vehicle with blue lights and forcibly abducted a victim. James Ball senior, aged 37, and his son, James Ball junior, aged 18, pursued a taxi in their car before assaulting the passenger. The incident occurred in Leek, near Stoke-on-Trent, where Ball senior forcibly removed the man from the taxi and forced him into their vehicle, uttering, “You are coming with me.” During the attack, the son struck the victim’s head with a dart, causing bleeding, while the father continued the assault.
The harrowing incident unfolded on March 10, ending abruptly when Ball senior realized his mistake and instructed the victim to leave the vehicle. The victim, under duress, suffered injuries including a dart graze, scratches, and physical pain.
Court proceedings revealed that the duo had equipped their vehicle with flashing blue lights to appear as law enforcement, causing the taxi driver to comply. Ball senior, wearing a hi-vis jacket, physically assaulted the victim, compelling him into their car. The victim was subjected to multiple assaults, including being struck with a dart by Ball junior.
Both individuals, residing on Beatty Road in Leek, pleaded guilty to kidnapping. Ball junior confessed to assault resulting in bodily harm, while Ball senior admitted to impersonating a police officer. As a result, Ball senior was sentenced to three years in prison, with his son receiving a 27-month sentence.
In court, it was noted that the incident seemed out of character for Ball senior, described as a reliable family man. Meanwhile, Ball junior expressed remorse for his involvement, claiming ignorance of any planned wrongdoing. The presiding judge acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the intentional deception and violent actions carried out by the defendants.