Fraudster Jailed for Blackmailing Couple Out of £434,000
A convicted fraudster has been locked up for over three years after blackmailing a couple out of nearly half a million pounds.
Black-Clad Gang Targeted Walton Home
On the morning of 26 September last year, Gary Taylor, 58, and two accomplices dressed in black approached a house in Walton. Taylor rang the doorbell while blocking the video camera with his hand. Getting no answer, he slipped a threatening letter through the letterbox before smashing the video doorbell and storming off.
Threatening Letter Demanded Massive Payback
The letter was addressed to a previous occupant and accused her partner of stealing £434,000 to fund a property. It warned of relentless pursuit until the money was repaid and threatened extreme violence.
“Your partner **** stole £434,000 from someone affiliated with us… This was a very big mistake and we will stop at absolutely nothing until this is paid back in full… We have now decided to authorise a contract which will be placed on the dark web with your present full address above.”
Signed “Taylor Made Logistics” with an account number and sort code included.
Police Arrest Taylor and Accomplice
Financial checks traced the bank details to Taylor, who was arrested at his Croydon home on 29 September. He claimed he thought the letter was an apology and denied any threatening intent. Taylor also admitted punching the camera out of frustration for making a wasted trip.
Francis Alexander, 60, was later arrested at Stansted Airport and charged with blackmail, but was found not guilty at trial.
Taylor Sentenced to Over Three Years
Following a five-day trial at Peterborough Crown Court, Taylor was convicted of blackmail. He received a three year and four month prison sentence this Friday. Detective Constable Lauren Clark said:
“Taylor is a malicious man who has now not only been convicted of blackmail but is also serving time for high-value fraud offences elsewhere.
“He will go to extreme lengths for financial gain but, thankfully, we stopped him before anyone was hurt or any money changed hands.”
