Kidnap suspect found murdered

AN OLDHAM man wanted in connection with a kidnapping is believed to have been murdered in Ireland.

Police had been hunting Jason Martin (39) since building site manager Paul Brady (44), from Rochdale, was snatched by up to 10 masked men armed with metal poles in Bacup, Lancashire on August 1.

But they believe their suspect died after being violently assaulted outside a Dublin pub in the early hours of Sunday.

He was one of a number of men suspected of taking part in the kidnap on Beaufort Road.
Lancashire Police are now waiting for formal identification before ruling him out of the investigation.

Detectives are unsure if Mr Brady is alive but they still hope to secure his safe release.

Det Supt Neil Hunter, leading the inquiry, said: “Jason Martin is somebody we have been actively looking for since Paul was kidnapped and we have been making inquiries with our colleagues in a number of European countries in a bid to trace him.

“The information we have received from our colleagues in Ireland, however, has led us to believe that Mr Martin was the victim of a murder over the weekend.

“I would appeal for anyone who knows where Mr Martin has been since the kidnap or has any other information to get in touch with us.”

Detectives say a well-organised criminal network linked to drugs gangs in Manchester could be responsible for the kidnap.

Father-of-four Mr Brady was a site manager of an exclusive housing development at Lynn’s Court.

The gang struck as he was travelling away from the site with a friend who managed to escape.

His family have spoken of their torment.

His mother Mavis Brady (66) said: “It’s been hell for us. It’s a nightmare. We are just waiting for the knock on the door.”

Paul Devalda (34), from Burnley, has been charged with conspiracy to kidnap and will appear at Preston Crown Court on November 11.