A terrifying case of prolonged abuse unfolded in the Forest of Dean, where two men, Joshua Rice, 38, and Andrew Rowbotham, 44, were sentenced after subjecting a man in his 20s to a harrowing six-hour ordeal of physical and psychological torture.
The victim first came into contact with Rice and Rowbotham through a mutual acquaintance in June 2025. Over several months, the victim endured ‘cuckooing’, with the pair frequently visiting his home and coercing him to store unknown sums of cash. Fearful, the victim reluctantly complied.
On July 29, the situation escalated dramatically. Accused of stealing cash, the victim’s home was ransacked, and he was forced to drive the men. During the drive, Rice and Rowbotham assaulted him, punching him multiple times, burning him with a cigarette lighter, and stealing his car keys and phone. Back at Rice’s house, the abuse intensified with violent threats including attempts to break the victim’s legs and threats of sexual violence against his female relatives, whose details Rice obtained from social media.
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The ordeal culminated in the Forest of Dean, where the victim was gagged, blindfolded, zip-tied, and placed into a hole lined with black plastic sheeting — effectively a ‘body bag.’ The men threatened to kill him, holding an object against his head. The victim described the experience as terrifying, feeling certain his life was at imminent risk and fearing for his survival.
Eventually, Rice and Rowbotham released the victim but warned they would monitor him closely. The victim’s relative reported the crime, leading to the arrest of both men. Police recovered weapons matching the victim’s descriptions, plastic sheeting, and zip ties from the scene.
Both men pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and making threats to kill. At Gloucester Crown Court, Rice received a sentence of four years and four months, while Rowbotham, who showed some remorse, was sentenced to three years and seven months. Additionally, both were issued five-year restraining orders and ordered to pay £228 in costs to the victim.
The victim shared the profound psychological impact of the abuse, revealing struggles with flashbacks, disrupted sleep, and feelings of hopelessness. He said the trauma had eroded his sense of safety, self-esteem, and social connections, leaving him feeling as if his life had been stolen.
Detective Constable Annabel Brittain praised the victim’s bravery and highlighted the severity of the crimes. She noted the profound psychological damage inflicted and the importance of the victim’s and witnesses’ courage in bringing the perpetrators to justice, preventing further harm to others.