A TAXI driver from Nelson has been cleared of assisting an offender in a kidnap plot.

Mohammed Ayub, 51, of Bradley Road East, was acquitted of any connection with the abduction of a drug smuggler's family on July 31 last year.

Andre Burke, 24, of Manchester, was jailed for 14 years on Friday for helping to lead the gang who kidnapped Denise and David Garlick and held them prisoner for eight days.

The trial heard the kidnap plot began after Robert Garlick, 51, was remanded to prison to await sentence after admitting importing £10 million-worth of cannabis from Spain.

In the meantime, Garlick's son Robert secretly buried a box containing £125,000 in drugs money in his father-in-law's garden, but Garlick senior began boasting about the cash.

The abduction occurred outside the jail when Mrs Garlick, 51, and son David, 20, were leaving following a prison visit.

Police found out about the kidnap when Denise was allowed to contact her husband in prison and the call was taped.

Denise and David Garlick were released at HMP Manchester the day after a ransom drop but were told to meet further demands. They were told they would be harmed if the rest of a £250,000 ransom demand wasn't forthcoming.

Later a car was left - but with fake money in the boot. Members of the gang picked the car up but one realised the money was fake and the cash was dumped in an alleyway and set on fire.

Burke was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to falsely imprison and conspiracy to blackmail.

Tunde Abiodun, 25, of Cheetham Hill, was also convicted of conspiracy to falsely imprison and conspiracy to commit blackmail but found not guilty of conspiracy to kidnap. He was jailed for 11 years.

Jervis Bailey, 23, of Cheetham Hill, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and was jailed for six years.

Lydia Thomas, 22, of Cheetham Hill, admitted assisting an offender and was jailed for two and a half years.

Wayne Wallbank, 20, of Crumpsall, and a 17-year old youth admitted assisting an offender and will be sentenced later.

On the judge's directions Mr Ayub was acquitted of assisting an offender.