A FATHER and son have been jailed for violently kidnapping a man who worked for them.

Daniel and Terence Jones forced their way into a house in Shildon, County Durham, and dragged the man outside before beating him unconscious.

They then bundled him into the back of a van, driven by Jones Sr’s wife, Margaret Harker, who joined them in assaulting the victim.

He lived in a caravan provided by Daniel Jones, 45, of Cypress Park, Esh Winning, at Gurney Valley Caravan Site, near Coundon, which is for members of the travelling community.

Durham Crown Court heard the victim fled the site on Sunday, July 22, and was chased by the Jones family to his parents’ house in the Shildon area, telling his father: “They are after me.”

He learned his mother was at a friend’s house, but after he got there he was confronted by the men, who had burst into the home.

Paul Cross, prosecuting, said: “Daniel Jones and Terence Jones forced their way into the house.

“They dragged him outside and used violence, eventually rendering him unconscious.

“They picked him by the arms and legs and put him into a van driven by Margaret Harker.

“On the way he was further punched and kicked. Once at the caravan site he was threatened with more violence if he tried to escape.”

Both Jones men pleaded guilty to kidnap but the reasons behind it remain unclear.

The court heard a single charge of modern day slavery will lie on the file but was not pursued by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Mr Cross there had been a suggestion he had been working for someone else.

The court heard the victim was freed almost 24 hours later when police stopped a Nissan Micra he was in with Daniel Jones and Harker.

He was taken in by officers for his own protection and was found to have suffered a black eye, bruised ribs, cut lips and bruising to his ear and chest.

Mr Cross said: “He was extremely frightened of these people.”

The court was told he had been moved out of County Durham and was now living away from his family.

In a victim personal statement he said: “This has been very difficult for me. I was taken to an area that was unfamiliar to me. I have had to start life again from scratch.

“I believe if I return to County Durham I would be at risk of further harm.”

The court heard Daniel Jones, has 35 conviction for 75 offences dating back to 1991, including burglary and drug offences.

His barrister, David Lamb, said: “This defendant shoulders a significant amount of responsibility as he not only involved himself but his son and wife. He accepts he was the motivating force. It is a recruiting exercise he bitterly regrets.”

Terence Jones, 25, of Burnside Road, Darlington, who has 15 convictions for 30 offence, was jailed for 30 months in 2012 for wounding with intent.

Chris Morrison, mitigating said: “He acted at the behest of his father and acted under his father’s instruction. It was of no benefit to him whatsoever. His father was the prime mover.”

Harker, 34, of Neashan Road, Darlington, previously convicted of unauthorised dumping of waste, pleaded guilty to assault, but denied knowing she was part of a kidnap, which had been accepted by the prosecution to the incredulity of Judge Jonathan Carroll.

Her barrister, Lewis Kerr, said she was not an "entrenched criminal" and had showed genuine remorse.

He said: “Her role was to deliver a single blow as they drove away.”

The judge jailed Daniel Jones for six years and three months and his son for four-and-a-half years.

Harker was given a 23 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. She must do 200 hours unpaid work and wear an electronic tag for six months to ensure she observes a curfew between 8pm and 7am.

Judge Carroll said: “The physical injuries are the least serious of this offence.

“He was extremely frightened and he continues to live in fear for his own safety.

“This is an extremely serious offence of kidnap. This was planned, whatever the reason for it, and used considerable violence.”