Model ‘vindicated’ after man jailed for kidnap and drugging

A British model feels “vindicated” after the man she accused of kidnapping her for ransom was convicted and jailed for nearly 17 years, her agent has said.

Polish national Lukasz Herba, 30, was sentenced yesterday to 16 years and nine months’ imprisonment after an Italian court convicted him of kidnapping Chloe Ayling, 20.

Ms Ayling, of south London, said she was drugged and bundled into a suitcase after arriving at a Milan address for a modelling job. But she was accused in court of being involved in a “publicity stunt” and had her motivations questioned in the media.

Adrian Sington, who represents Ms Ayling at talent management agency Kruger Cowne, said: “This has been an incredible burden on her shoulders for the last year in the face of media criticism of her motivation, and this is vindication – her story is true.

“And it means now she can get on with her life. It’s hard if you’re being painted in the press as a liar and now she’s able to say, ‘I know it’s a bizarre story but it’s a true one.’”

Ms Ayling was held in a farmhouse near Turin while a 300,000 euro (£265,000) ransom was demanded.

She was released six days later, on July 17, at the British consulate in Milan.

Herba claimed during his Milan trial that she agreed to the scheme to boost her career.

Ms Ayling was bundled into a suitcase.