Kidnapper's parents in child vow

The 23-year-old had a secret on-off relationship with Sarah Marshall during which she gave birth to a daughter, now aged around two.

Rock 'n' roll singer Boden, who ran the Soundmasters music store in Bilston High Street, was yesterday jailed indefinitely at Wolverhampton Crown Court after being branded a danger to the public.

He must serve at least two-and-a-half years before being considered for release after kidnapping ex-girlfriend Katie Peters, now aged 18, in an elaborate plot that included a fake ransom demand.

Miss Sarah-Jayne Buckingham, representing his accomplice Marshall, told the court yesterday: "Boden is the father of the youngest child whom he promised to help support, although this has not happened."

Boden's lawyer Mr Christopher O'Gorman said: "He was initially told that he was not the father but has recently been informed that, in fact, he is. His parents wish to care for the child if he is proved to be the father."

Boden, of Frost Street, Ettingshall, has now undergone DNA tests and is awaiting the results.

The parents of the kidnapper, who had no previous convictions, were unaware of the "dark side" to his character, the court heard.

Both of them sat in the public gallery as the full horror of the case was outlined.

They declined to comment afterwards.

His father Joe repeatedly shook his head when asked about the case and the plans of the family if Marshall's youngest child was proved to have been fathered by their son.

Boden never introduced Marshall to his family and friends during their secret relationship, and only took her out once for a short weekend break in Blackpool.

Defence lawyer Miss Buckingham told the court: "She was a lonely young person who became utterly dependent on Boden, who used her when it suited him."

Marshall, a 21-year-old mother-of-two from The Crescent, Bilston, admits false imprisonment.

She was remanded to a hostel for further assessment and is due to be sentenced on October 2.