Builder turns thug over missing £4k bill – jailed for four years!
Shoddy work sparks threats at newbuild site
Simon Barrington, 35, was hired by a property developer to work on two new homes in Little Eversden, South Cambridgeshire, starting 12 September last year. But the developer quickly spotted Barrington’s work was poor. Other workers branded him lazy and erratic.
Threats fly over unpaid cash and paint
Barrington claimed the developer owed him £4,000, but was told his services were no longer needed. He then upped his demands to £11,000 for “materials and labour”. Barrington escalated matters, threatening £40,000 worth of damage if he wasn’t paid.
He sent chilling messages, vowing to “smash houses up” and warned he’d come to collect his paint from the site.
Intimidation on site ends in jail
On 26 September, Barrington showed up at the site, confronting a labourer. He threatened to burn buildings down and “mash-up” the developer if he didn’t hand over paint he believed was owed. He tried snatching the phone when the labourer called the boss, demanding to speak to him.
Barrington warned he’d “bring the boys” if unpaid. To avoid further trouble, the labourer handed over the paint.
Days later, the site’s fencing had “pay me” carved into it. Barrington returned in early October with an accomplice, making more threats.
Arrest and four-year jail sentence
Barrington was arrested at his home in Caxton, Ermine Street, on 13 October. On Friday 1 December, he pleaded guilty to blackmail at Cambridge Crown Court and was sentenced to four years in prison.
