Father Son Jailed for Impersonation Kidnap Mistaken Identity Stoke-on-Trent

James Ball Sr and his son James Ball Jr, from Leek near Stoke-on-Trent, were jailed for kidnapping and assault after impersonating police officers using blue flashing lights on their car to pull over a taxi. On March 10, Ball Sr forcibly removed the passenger from the taxi, dragged him into their vehicle, and both men attacked him, with Ball Jr striking the victim's head with a dart causing bleeding. The ordeal ended when Ball Sr realized they had kidnapped the wrong man and released him. The father was sentenced to three years in prison, and the son received a 27-month sentence. Police described the pair as dangerous offenders, noting the victim suffered non-serious injuries and did not require medical treatment. The case highlighted the distress caused to the victim, who was unaware of the reason for the attack until the mistaken identity was revealed.