A disturbing incident was caught on camera as a young woman fought off a balaclava-clad stranger who attempted to snatch her off the street. The shocking footage shows Cameron Boxall, 22, trying to drag his victim into a stolen car in the seaside suburb of Hove, near Brighton in the UK.
The 20-year-old victim can be heard screaming “No, no, no” as Boxall attempted to pull her into the back seat of a Mini Cooper. Despite her resistance, he managed to get her partially into the car before driving off. The woman continued to fight back, kicking and punching Boxall until he eventually kicked her out of the car. A passer-by found her in a state of shock and came to her aid.
Boxall was sentenced to five years in jail after pleading guilty to charges of kidnapping, car theft, and drug possession. He was also issued an indefinite restraining order against the victim. In a statement, the victim expressed her feelings of losing her freedom and the trauma she experienced during the attack. She described the physical injuries she sustained and the emotional impact of the incident, stating that she did not deserve what happened to her.
The court heard that Boxall had targeted the victim while driving a stolen car and switched his number plates to avoid detection. He approached the woman under the pretense of asking for directions before attempting to abduct her. Despite his claims that he intended to rob her to settle a drug debt, her handbag was found untouched at the scene.
Detective Jack Sagar of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team described Boxall as a dangerous and violent offender, labeling him a “dangerous predator” who targeted an innocent young woman. He commended the victim for her bravery and strength throughout the ordeal and the subsequent investigation.
Kidnapping offenses are a serious concern in England, with 7,277 cases recorded in 2023-24. In comparison, Australia reported 501 kidnapping victims in 2023. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that individuals, especially women, face on the streets and the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of one’s surroundings.
