Harlow kidnapping and stabbing trio sentenced after incident

The incident took place on January 7, 2025, when Lewie Wilson and Riley Dedman encountered two teenage boys near the corner of Cross Street and Broad Walk in Harlow town centre.

Wilson assaulted one of the boys, who managed to escape, while the other was held against his will and forced to walk around the town centre.

He was later joined by Dedman and David Dutton.

Dedman left the group before Wilson and Dutton walked the victim to Veilzy Avenue, where they were picked up in a Seat vehicle and driven away.

Police began investigating immediately after receiving reports of the incident.

Later that afternoon, the vehicle stopped in Staple Tye.

Wilson and Dutton walked the victim away from the car and were confronted by a man in his 30s who tried to intervene.

Wilson stabbed the man multiple times in the arm, torso, chest, and abdomen, leaving him fighting for his life.

Both Wilson and Dutton fled the scene, before paramedics arrived and provided emergency care that ultimately saved the man’s life.

Following the attack, police launched a major investigation involving hundreds of officer hours.

Dutton and Dedman were arrested at their homes, while Wilson later handed himself in to police.

All three were charged but could not be named at the time due to their ages.

Wilson, of Fluxs Lane, Epping, was charged with battery, kidnap, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He initially denied kidnapping the teenager, despite referring to him as a "hostage" while in the car.

He later pleaded guilty to kidnap and battery during the trial.

Dedman, of Fullers Mead, Harlow, and Dutton, of Wellington Road, North Weald, were both charged with kidnap.

Following a month-long trial at Chelmsford Crown Court from June 22 to July 22, Dutton and Dedman were found guilty of kidnap.

The men were confronted at Staple Tye shopping centre (Image: Google Street View)

Wilson was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article.

At sentencing on September 11, Dutton received eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and must complete 70 hours of unpaid work.

Dedman was given a seven-month community order and must also complete 70 hours of unpaid work.

Wilson was sentenced to four years in prison.

Detective Alana McCreath said: "These serious and violent crimes resulted in a man fighting for his life.

"It is thanks to the quick and vital work of our ambulance colleagues and hospital staff at PAH and Addenbrokes that this was not a murder trial.

"The mental effect on the teenage victim – being kidnapped and witnessing a stabbing – and his family was also significant.

"These three spent days after the assault actively hiding from police, and now they have had to face justice in our courts.

"I’d also like to thank the victims, witnesses, and emergency responders for attending court or providing accounts for our case.

"These were vital in securing charges and ensuring this case went to trial."