Cheshire man jailed after tying up and 'torturing' friend over curry

Stuart Paul McPhee, of Longridge, falsely imprisoned Daniel Edwards in his flat, after parading him around the estate with his hands tied, in a bid to humiliate him.

After beating him with sticks, the 46-year-old then cut him with a knife and poured bleach into the wound, which a judge said was 'akin to torture'.

McPhee was sentenced to serve 32 months in prison for the offence, which took place on February 18 last year.

Matthew Dunford, prosecuting, told Chester Crown Court on Friday, March 25, how the incident came about after Mr Edwards admitted stealing and eating a tin of chicken curry that belonged to McPhee.

McPhee lured his victim to his flat on the pretext of bringing bottles of cider, and once there, locked the door and the ordeal began.

"He tied his hands with duct tape, before taking him outside," Mr Dunford said.

"He paraded him around the estate saying 'we've got a thief here'.

"He then took him back inside and began beating him with bamboo sticks before he cut him with a knife and poured bleach into the wound.

"He covered his mouth with duct tape and the ordeal lasted for around two and a half hours."

Stuart Paul McPhee was jailed for 32 months

After Mr Edwards pleaded with McPhee to let him go, he did, but told him not to tell the police about what had happened.

He told his father the next day and after the police were called, McPhee was arrested.

Richard Conley, defending, said his client had been subject of electronic monitoring since May last year, which had massively affected his life and made him 'a prisoner in his own home'.

"The incident had taken place after the pair had been engaged in binge drinking," he added.

"He's plainly, an unconventional man who committed an unconventional offence."

Judge Michael Leeming told McPhee he was sure the intention was to humiliate Mr Edwards as well as punish him.

"He was given a beating, although I accept the injuries he suffered weren't serious," he said.

"The use of bleach was akin to torture.

"The incident arose due to a stolen tin of curry, meaning it was completely out of all proportion.

"You took the law into your own hands."

McPhee will serve a total of 32 months in prison, while the judge also ordered a 10-year restraining order to be made to protect the victim.