Wayne Lee, 40, from Bradford, and Maximillian Barnes, 30, of Malton, have been locked up for a heartless blackmail plot that spanned three weeks this July.
Victim Forced to Hand Over PS5 and Apple Watch
The victim was targeted between 3 and 23 July 2024. On 22 July, terrified and broke, she finally called the cops after months of threats from Lee demanding cash. The saga started with a debt linked to her ex-partner. When he vanished to dodge the debt, Lee told the victim she had to pay up. Under pressure, she handed over a PlayStation 5, an Apple Watch, and handed over two £100 cash payments as part of the blackmail. Witnesses confirmed the money exchange, while chilling WhatsApp messages and voice notes revealed violent threats if she didn’t pay.
Threats Continue Until Police Step In
The abuse escalated, even happening in front of the victim’s mother. After fresh demands on 22 July, she broke her silence and went to the police. Both men refused to unlock their seized phones and gave no comment during interviews.
Sentenced at York Crown Court
Last week (10 April), Lee was handed 32 months behind bars. Barnes got 21 months for their part in the ruthless blackmail racket.
