Man charged with kidnap after family car taken near Durham with two-year-old in back seat

The Vauxhall Vectra, with the infant girl inside, was stolen from Quarrington Hill (pictured), a village in County Durham. Credit: Google Maps

A man has been charged with kidnap after a family car was stolen while a child was sitting in the back seat.

In September, thieves allegedly stole a Vauxhall Vectra car from Quarrington Hill, near Durham while a two-year-old child was sitting in the rear of the vehicle.

The car was later found abandoned in the nearby village of Ludworth. The girl was unharmed.

Ludworth is a 10-minute approximate drive from Quarrington Hill. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

Luke Joyce, from Peterlee, was arrested On the night of Thursday 13 October, Luke Joyce was arrested.

The 27-year-old, of Essex Place, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court the following day charged with kidnap, theft, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

He was remanded in custody and will reappear before Durham Crown Court on November 10.

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