Pair jailed for blackmail plot against woman

Two men who blackmailed a woman over a three-week period and threatened her with violence if she did not hand over money have been jailed.

The victim was pressured into giving a gaming console, Apple Watch and £200 to Wayne Lee and Maximillian Barnes in July 2024.

York Crown Court was told the demands stemmed from a debt originally linked to the woman's former partner, who had become involved with the two men but later disappeared because he feared the consequences.

Lee, 40, from Bradford, was jailed for 32 months and Barnes, 30, from Malton, was jailed for 21 months after both pleaded guilty to blackmail.

The victim said she had been told by Lee that she was responsible for paying her former partner's debt after he disappeared.

Police said she had already made several payments but following further demands she reported the matter to officers, despite fearing further threats.

Det Con Sam Rivers said the woman had shown "incredible courage to come forward and stand up against these two intimidating criminals".

He added: "Not only has she continued her support of the investigation throughout without wavering but she also read her victim impact statement out at court herself, a rare occurrence nowadays and very impactful."

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