Man admits kidnap after forcing woman into car

A man has admitted kidnapping a woman in the early hours of the morning in Hove.

Cameron Boxall, formerly of Carden Hill in Brighton, asked the woman for directions before forcing her into a stolen black Mini in Selbourne Road in the early hours of 5 August 2024 .

Boxall, 21, pleaded guilty to the offence at a hearing at Hove Crown Court on 31 January.

He also admitted theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, making off without payment and possession of cannabis. He was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on 3 March.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said the victim, a 20-year-old woman, was walking home when she noticed a black Mini sitting at the junction of Church Road and Palmeira Avenue.

Boxall later approached her in Selbourne Road, where he opened the passenger door of the car and asked her for directions.

He then exited the car and tried to force the woman into the passenger seat.

The victim fought back and, after a short distance, Boxall pushed her out of the car and made off from the scene, the force said.

Police officers recovered the car at around 17:45 GMT on 5 August and Mr Boxall was later arrested when he was found in possession of clothing matching that of the driver from CCTV footage.

Det Insp Duncan Elliot praised the victim for her "immense strength and bravery".

He added: "We built a strong evidential case which, when presented to the court, resulted in a guilty plea and ensured a dangerous and predatory offender has been caught."

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