A BUSINESSMAN kidnapped by a gang of six was “too scared” to make a run from his captors despite having numerous opportunities to escape, a court heard.

Richard Baker, who has a car business at premises in Seddul Bahr Industrial Estate, in West End, told Southampton Crown Court “he wasn’t thinking and did not know what to do” after he was kidnapped by a group of men “wearing balaclavas”.

The group of six, who according to prosecutor Charles Gabb were led by Samsons Gym owner Daniel Harkins, were attempting to find Matthew Kille and a man only referred to as “G” – who the men believed were connected to an arson at the Derby Road, Eastleigh gym in January.

As a known associate of Mr Kille and G, Mr Baker was targeted by the six men and forced through “extreme bouts of pain”, which according to Mr Gabb included having a screwdriver put up his nose, as the group bid to find two people.

The court heard previously that Mr Baker was joined by the six men as they went to try and find a telephone number for G. The seven men went to flats in Radstock Road, Woolston in order to trace a man called Martin who may have known the number. Mr Baker was allowed to go into the locked flats alone.

Mr Baker, who appeared at the court via videolink, was cross-examined by defence barrister Sarah Jones who queried why Mr Baker had not attempted to flee the scene.

She said: “You were left in the flats on your own for 19 minutes with your phone and you did not call the police, or your partner or send any text messages.”

Mr Baker replied: “I was scared and did not know what to do.”

Miss Jones added: “Why not make a phone call if you were scared to make sure those people are safe?”

The court heard that whilst Mr Baker was in the flats he had found a new number for G and after telling the group he had got a telephone number, they went to the Big Cheese pub, in West End Road, where Mr Baker was allowed to go to the toilet unaided.

Mr Baker said: “I did not know if it was safe for me to get away from them. I just wanted to get away.”

Mr Baker was also questioned on why he phoned G after he eventually managed to flee the men when they returned back to his business unit.

Miss Jones asked: “Did you call your partner and then call G because you had put your family at risk?”

Mr Baker said: “No. G has never threatened to rape my children or my missus.”

Danny Harkins, 36, of Sherborne Road, Eastleigh; Jamie Kingstone, 40, of Paynes Road, Shirley; Leroy King, 34, of Dutton Lane, Eastleigh; Rodney Traves, 47, of Croydon Close, Southampton; Peter Chamberlain, 49, of Chaucer Road, Southampton and Alan Boddy, 47, of Goldingham Drive, Essex; are charged with conspiracy to kidnap, kidnap and assault.

Luke Yeates, 33, of Woodlands Way, Bursledon is charged with helping an organised crime group and perverting the course of justice.

All seven deny the charges.

The trial continues.