FOUR men accused of kidnapping and assaulting a teenager walked free from court after the alleged victim failed to appear at court.
Christopher Kuku, 27, Daniel Oyetoro, 23, Kevin Boamah, 18, and Osman Mohammed,19, were all alleged to have been involved in a brutal attack on 18-year-old Reil Blowey between February 18 and February 21.
The defendants were all due to stand trial today but the prosecution were forced to drop the case when Mr Blowey didn't turn up and police were unable to locate him.
Richard Burrington, prosecuting counsel, said: "The victim is not at court. We have taken all reasonable steps to ascertain his whereabouts but to no avail.
"We do not believe we will be in a better position tomorrow or at any other time during the current trial fixture so the crown do not apply to adjourn this matter for any period and therefore the crown finds itself without its key witness and without any choice but to offer no evidence.
Judge Michael Brooke QC formally acquitted Kuku, of Parnell Close, Chafford Hundred, of false imprisonment, assault and kidnap.
Judge Brooke QC formally acquitted Oyetoro, Boamah, of Whiston Road, Loughton, and Mohammed, of Malsmead House, Homerton, of kidnap and assault Oyetero, of Grampian House, Edmonton Green, Enfield, pleaded guilty to one count of driving whilst disqualified and no insurance.
The charge related to February 19 when Oyetero drove his Vauxhall Astra along Parnell Close, Chafford Hundred.
Judge Brooke QC sentenced the defendant to three months in prison but because he has spent almost five months on remand he was immediately released.
He also banned Oyetero from driving for two years.
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