Two men who bound their victim with duct tape after he had already been punched repeatedly during a dispute over a drug debt have been convicted.

Sanchez Banton, 25, of Whitehorse Road in Croydon, and Anton Asutaitis, aged 24 and of Pimlico Road in Belgravia, pleaded guilty to offences of causing grievous bodily harm and robbery at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday (December 11).

The pair had contacted the victim at around noon on April 15, 2015 and asked him to help them recover heroin from a man they believed he knew.

He decided not to help but, concerned for the welfare of the man’s partner, visited an address in Bull Lane, Eccles.

When the victim entered the property he discovered three men had already made their way inside. They demanded he accompany them in a car and help search for the man they were looking for.

The victim was ushered into a Ford Ka, driven by Asutaitis. Banton occupied the front passenger seat and a third (unknown) man sat in the back with the victim.

They drove to a number of locations but were unable to find the man they claimed owed them drugs. At one stage the victim tried to exit the car, but found child locks had been activated on the doors, preventing his escape.

The vehicle then proceeded to the Blue Bell Hill area of Kent where it turned onto a road toward Burham, before Asutaitis suddenly slammed on the brakes.

The victim was then attacked by Banton and the rear seat passenger whilst Asutaitis shouted demands for return of the heroin.

He was then threatened with a knife, before duct tape was wrapped around both arms, as well as around his mouth three times.

The victim was then dropped off in the Eccles area, where he managed to raise the alarm.

Detective Constable Tony Hatcher said: "This was a truly terrifying experience for the victim, who was targeted and then subjected to a prolonged and viscous assault, not because he had done anything wrong but simply because of someone he happened to know."

"It was an ordeal clearly orchestrated by Banton and Asutaitis and which led to injuries including a fractured cheek bone and nose along with severe bruising.

"There is no doubt the mental scars will also stay with him for a very long time."

Both men have been bailed until sentencing, which is set for February 23, 2018 at the same court.