FORMER INMATE AND ABUSIVE HUSBAND JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING IN CAMBRIDGE
A man named Colin French, aged 42, who had previously been imprisoned for almost six years following a fire he set to an ex-partner's home, attempted to kidnap his estranged wife, Sharon French.French was found hiding inside her car's boot as she prepared to leave work.
When she entered the vehicle, she noticed the interior was slightly steamed up, and she detected the scent of her ex-husband's aftershave.
Leaving the engine running, she exited the car and opened the boot, discovering French inside.
Sharon then screamed for help as French jumped out and began chasing her, carrying what appeared to be a knife.
She managed to run away but fell to the ground, where French grabbed and dragged her towards a darker part of the car park.
A colleague heard her screams, intervened, and pushed French away before he fled in Mrs.
French's car.
French was arrested the next day after police located him in a pub car park in Grantchester.
He faced multiple charges, including attempted kidnap, taking a vehicle without consent, possessing a bladed article, and burglary, as evidence showed he bought tools used to break into his wife's home.
French pleaded guilty to three of the four charges but denied attempting to kidnap her, claiming he only wanted to speak with her and understand why their marriage ended.
The court convicted him of attempted kidnapping after a three-day trial, and he was sentenced to four years in prison, with a five-year driving ban and the confiscation of his vehicle.
The judge described him as a significant risk to future partners, highlighting the premeditated and sinister nature of his actions.
French, who was on a life licence following his previous offense, will not be released until a parole board deems him no longer a threat.
Authorities emphasized the danger he posed and acknowledged Sharon’s bravery in escaping years of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse.
