Couple jailed for imprisoning vulnerable man in Cambridge flat

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 11:30 · Archive

Two drug users held a man with mobility issues prisoner in his own home for more than 12 hours.

Zoe Smith and Shane Rowe, both 39, forced their way into a man's home in Dennis Road, Cambridge, at around 7pm on 22 February 2025 and blocked the door using a table. At about 1am the following morning, when the man tried to leave his sofa, he was told he 'wasn't going anywhere' and was then punched repeatedly in the face.

Smith encouraged Rowe's violence throughout the ordeal, which lasted until 9am when they left to buy drugs. The man then fled to his neighbours for help but returned to his home to avoid arousing suspicion. When Smith and Rowe came back, police arrived within the hour. Smith jumped out of a window and Rowe escaped, but the man managed to open the door for officers despite being shouted at by Rowe.

The victim discovered his wallet and phone had been stolen and told officers he lived in fear of the couple. Both Smith and Rowe denied the offences in police interview and pleaded not guilty at trial, but jurors found them guilty of false imprisonment and theft. Rowe is from Crosfield Court, Cambridge, and Smith is from College Close, Edmonton, London.

How it is being reported

• Couple who kept 'vulnerable' man prisoner in his own home picturedTwo drug users who kept a man with mobility issues barricaded in his own flat for more than 12 hours have been jailed.Cambs Times · 12 Oct, 10:18
• Couple who kept 'vulnerable' man prisoner in his own home picturedTwo drug users who kept a man with mobility issues barricaded in his own flat for more than 12 hours have been jailed.Ely Standard · 12 Oct, 10:18

In this story: Zoe Smith · Shane Rowe · Cambridge · Dennis Road · Cambridgeshire Police

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