A GANG on a “revenge mission” kidnapped a businessman after an Eastleigh gym was burned down, a court heard.

Richard Baker, who runs his own car painting and bodywork motor business, was subjected to 95 minutes of “appalling” abuse by six men who were trying to find two people they believe were connected with the arson.

Daniel Harkins, the owner of Samson’s Gym, in Derby Road, Eastleigh, allegedly shoved a screwdriver up Mr Baker’s nose while threats were made to his wife and his family.

Southampton Crown Court heard that Harkins had enlisted the help of six other men to help him find Matthew Killie and ‘G’ - both known associates of Mr Baker.

Prosecuting, Charles Gabb told the court that the group went to Seddul Bahr Industrial Estate, in West End, on the evening of January 29 to force Mr Baker into telling them where Mr Killie and G were.

Before the visit, Harkins allegedly ordered his employee Luke Yeates to buy a kettle, sugar, tennis balls, duct tape, hoodies, balaclavas and snoods to help carry out the kidnap.

It is also alleged that Jamie Kingstone, referred to by Mr Gabb as Harkins’ lieutenant, told Yeates to “buy a big knife”.

Mr Gabb said that boiling water mixed with sugar is a “fearsome weapon” because when thrown it sticks to the skin. He believed the tennis balls would have been used as gags.

The court heard that Harkins and the group then tormented Mr Baker, using their fists to try and make him reveal the location of the two men.

Mr Baker made a number of “fake” attempts to find G including going to a location in Woolston.

The businessman said to the group at one point he had found G’s telephone number.

The gang were then seen on CCTV visiting locations in Bitterne including the Big Cheese pub.

Mr Baker eventually made a run for it, eventually ending up under a nearby caravan where he made desperate calls to his wife and the police, the court heard.

Mr Gabb said: “Mr Baker was a pawn. Someone who they used to try and get to someone else.

“He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and is picked on by those six men.

“They treated him appallingly and turned his life upside down.”

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 have pleaded not guilty.

The trial continues.