Loan shark fails to get off the hook

A loan shark who terrorised, assaulted and kidnapped a businessman during a blackmail campaign prompted by a £100,000 debt had his 10-year sentence backed by top judges yesterday.

Majid Tubasum, of Eric Street, Oldham, described as “ruthless” by judge, Sir Robert Nelson, subjected his victim to an eight-month campaign of extortion, using two brutal “enforcers” to impose his savage will.

His victim was a businessman, from East Ham, east London, who was allegedly involved in money-laundering for drugs dealers, said Sir Robert, and borrowed £100,000 from Tubasum after running up debts to dealers.

Tubasum charged £10,000 per month in interest, London’s Appeal Court heard, and the prosecution claimed the businessman ended up owing the loan shark around £250,000, although Tubasum disputed the amount.

The 33-year-old received a total 10-year term at Croydon Crown Court last March after he was convicted of conspiracy to commit blackmail, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The judge said that despite the victim’s unsavoury criminal connections he deserved the court’s protection.

Dismissing Tubasum‚s appeal, he said the 10-year sentence was severe, but “not manifestly excessive”.