'Dangerous predator' who snatched Hove woman walking home jailed
A man who kidnapped a woman after asking her for directions in Hove has been jailed for five years.
Cameron Boxall, 22, put the victim through a terrifying ordeal after he forced her into a car he had stolen earlier and attempted to drive off.
The victim, a 20-year-old local woman, was walking home from work in the early hours of the morning on 5 August 2024.
Boxall dragged the woman into a black Mini on Selbourne Road after asking her for directions.
She bravely fought back, ensuring her legs stayed outside of the vehicle so the car door remained open as the suspect tried to drive away.
After a short distance, the driver pushed the victim out of the car and made off from the scene.
Boxall, formerly of Carden Hill, Brighton, was charged and admitted a charge of kidnap, theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, making off without payment, and possession of cannabis when he appeared at Hove Crown Court on Friday 31 January.
He was remanded in custody and appeared for sentencing on Friday 9 May.
Detective Sergeant Jack Sagar said: "Boxall is a dangerous predator who preyed on a young woman innocently walking home, putting her through a horrific distressing ordeal where she feared for her life.
"We commend her for the immense strength and bravery she has shown throughout the incident and during our subsequent investigation. "
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