Four men involved in the kidnapping and torturing of an Ipswich man have been given jail sentences totalling 42 years today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Gibril Seray-Wurie,Gibril Seray-Wurie,

The victim John Ugoani, of Cemetery Road, had boiling water and a hot iron put to his stomach.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ricky GreenwoodRicky Greenwood

Gibril Seray-Wurie, 31, of Lone Barn Court, Ipswich, and Malachi Cavalho, 27, of no fixed address, were convicted of grievous bodily harm, robbery, false imprisonment and burglary after their trial in December.

East Anglian Daily Times: Daniel SmithDaniel Smith

Seray-Wurie was also found guilty of possession of a knife in relation to the offences which all took place on March 4 last year. Both men had denied the charges.

When they returned to Ipswich Crown Court this morning for their sentencing Seray-Wurie was jailed for a total of 14 years, while Cavalho was received prison sentences totalling 13 years.

The included a separate sentence of 12 months imprisonment for possessing criminal property and two counts of possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Ricky Greenwood, 23, formerly of Ipswich, who had admitted burglary and false imprisonment was given three-and-a-half years imprisonment.

The fourth man Daniel Smith, 25, of Norwich Prison, admitted kidnap, robbery, GBH, false imprisonment and burglary before trial.

He as jailed for 10-and-a-half years in relation to Mr Ugoani’s case, and was given a further prison term of 18 months to run consecutively for drug and possessing criminal property offences.

Mr Ugoani was kidnapped when he went to Bell Close in Ipswich after arranging to buy some cannabis.

Cavalho and Seray-Wurie got into Mr Ugoani’s silver Mercedes. A knife was produced and Mr Ugoani was driven to a one-bedroomed flat in Purplett Street.

Once inside he was told to sit on the floor. Although he shouted for help, he recalls the windows were shut and music being played. He was told to be quiet otherwise he would be stabbed and killed.

Mr Ugoani was robbed of a watch, necklace and his partner’s handbag.

He was blindfolded, tied up and gagged. Hot water was poured over his body, while a hot iron was held on his body.

Subsequently, boiling water was poured over Mr Ugoani for a second time.

Mr Ugoani’s Cemetery Road home was burgled and various items were taken.

After the sentencing Detective Inspector Andy Footer who oversaw the investigation said: “This was a brutal, pre-planned and organised crime, where all four men had agreed their roles in the kidnap.

“The victim suffered horrific burns after having boiling water poured over him and a hot iron pressed on his stomach. This was a distressing assault; one which I am sure will stay with the victim for some time.

“Regardless of the motives for this kidnap and assault, no one deserves to go through this level of pain and torture and to have the fear of threats against their family too.

“Crimes such as this are very rare, particularly in Suffolk. Today’s sentencing will hopefully send out a strong message that this sort of criminality will not be tolerated and the justice system will come down hard on those who feel they can get away with such a brutal and horrifying crime.”