A TEENAGER was kidnapped and doused with petrol by three Newport youths in a "premeditated plan", it was alleged at Cardiff crown court.

As he cowered in fear, a lighter was flicked in front of him and he was told he would be killed if he went to police, said Prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees.

The victim said: "I felt like my life was going to end."

Two youths aged 17 and two others aged 16 and 14, have each pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, making threats to kill and robbery.

At the time, said Mr Mather-Lees, the alleged victim was going out with the ex-girlfriend of one of the 17-year-old defendants and he was not very happy about it.

At about 4.45pm on December 1, he and the three others devised a plan.

The alleged victim was invited to a party in the Risca Road area of Newport. When he arrived, he was confronted by the four.

Mr Mather-Lees said: "Flex was put around him and he was threatened. He was then led from the house to a derelict garage in the area.

"There, he was told to kneel down and petrol was poured over him."

The former boyfriend of his girlfriend was repeatedly shouting: "How far have you gone with her."

All four are alleged to have attacked him and his £300 mobile phone was taken.

A lighter was flicked in front of him and he was told he would be taken to a cemetery.

The alleged victim pretended he was going to vomit and succeeded in freeing himself.

He ran outside, asked a man for help and police were called.

Unsurprisingly, said Mr Mather-Lees, all four were soon arrested.

The 16-year-old defendant told police that throughout the incident the alleged victim was crying and pleading for mercy.

The court also heard from a witness, who said around a month before the alleged incident he, a friend and one of the accused were discussing torture and interrogation techniques.

One person mentioned threatening to set fire to someone using petrol, but bluff and use water, saying they should "talk to them calmly, so you think they were crazy."

Proceeding