On March 30 Hesan Zaboli, 25; Kevin Ingram, 32; and Paul Richards, 31; took their 26-year-old victim against his will to Manchester, where he was held captive. The trio then demanded payment of £12,000 from the victim's father, and the kidnapping was reported to North Yorkshire Police.

A team of police officers worked to successfully secure the safe release of the unnamed man on April 2. Ingram and Richards were arrested shortly after his release, while Zaboli was arrested on April 22 following extensive police inquiries.

Zaboli, of Bramhall Lane, Stockport, was sent to prison for nine years for his part in the conspiracy.

Ingram, of Moor Lane, Manchester, and Richards, of Selwood Walk, Manchester, each received five-year sentences at Leeds Crown Court.

Detective Superintendent Helen Taylor, the senior investigating officer from North Yorkshire Police, said: "It is highly satisfying that justice has been achieved in this complex and challenging investigation.

"The successful outcome is the result of a co-ordinated investigation using specialist resources in collaboration with the Yorkshire and Humberside forces and Greater Manchester Police.

"While local residents can be reassured that this type of offence is rare, they can also rest assured that North Yorkshire Police and its partner forces are very capable of dealing with such serious incidents.

"Our determination and capacity to tackle serious crime and protect our communities is unstinting."

Recorder Duncan Smith gave a commendation to all the police officers and police staff involved in the investigation. After passing sentence, he commented: "The police work was first rate in this case."