A DETECTIVE has praised the "courage" of a businessman who was subjected to a violent ordeal by a gang kidnapped him.

Richard Baker was attacked by a group of men led by Eastleigh-based Samsons Gym owner Daniel Harkins as they tried to gain information from him in January last year.

In one shocking moment, Mr Baker had a screwdriver put up his nose as the group watched on at his business premises during the evening.

On Tuesday, Mr Baker saw the group jailed for collectively for 43 years at Winchester Crown Court after they pleaded guilty to kidnap and assault causing actual bodily harm.

And now Detective Sergeant Steve Kelly, from Hampshire Constabulary's Serious and Organised Crime team, commended Mr Baker for standing up to the men.

He said: "Baker was at his place of work at the Seddul Bahr Industrial Estate, Allington Lane when the six men entered and made demands.

“He was assaulted and threatened, then taken to an address in the Woolston area and on to a pub in Bitterne as the gang tried to gain information from him. Mr Baker was subjected to a violent ordeal; he was punched and had a screwdriver put up his nose.

“Having been taken back to the industrial estate, Mr Baker saw an opportunity to escape. He ran and hid under a nearby caravan before calling the police.

“We would like to thank Mr Baker for his courage throughout this process. He has been incredibly strong to stand up to Harkins and his gang; without this strength we may not have been able to secure these sentences.

“We are delighted that the gang that inflicted this ordeal on Mr Baker has been brought to justice.”

Harkins, 38, from Eastleigh, Jamie Kingston, 41, from Southampton, Leroy King, 36, from Southampton, Peter Chamberlain, 50, from Christchurch, Alan Boddy, 47, from Essex and Rodney Traves, 48, from Southampton were all found guilty of conspiracy to falsely imprison at a trial in Southampton Crown Court last year.