Two men jailed for blackmailing woman over three-week ordeal

Wayne Lee, 40 from Bradford, and Maximillian Barnes, 30 from York, have been sentenced for blackmailing a woman over a three-week period between July 3, 2024 and July 23, 2024.

A court heard that on July 22, 2024, a woman contacted police to report she had been receiving threats from a man she knew as Wayne Lee, who was demanding money.

She told officers that she had already made payments but could no longer afford to do so and had contacted police despite fearing further threats.

The demands stemmed from a financial debt initially linked to the victim’s former partner, who had become involved with the defendants and later disappeared due to fear of the debt, the court heard.

The victim stated she was subsequently told by Lee that she was now responsible for paying it.

The court was told that, as part of the blackmail, the victim handed over a PlayStation 5 console and an Apple Watch in early July 2024, as well as cash payments of £100 on two occasions.

Evidence presented included witness testimony confirming the handover of money and digital evidence such as WhatsApp messages and voice notes in which threats of violence were made if the victim did not pay.

Prosecutors outlined further alleged incidents in which demands continued, including threats made in the presence of the victim’s mother.

Following further demands for payment on July 22, the victim reported the matter to police.

Officers seized mobile phones from both defendants, though neither provided access to their devices.

Both men gave no comment interviews.

Lee and Barnes were found guilty and, on April 10 at York Crown Court, the pair were sentenced to 32 and 31 months, respectively, in prison.

DC Sam Rivers of Scarborough CID, said: "The victim in this case has shown incredible courage to come forward and stand up against these two intimidating criminals, 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 now a days and very impactful.

"Her courage has now prevented these defendants from committing further offences and harming others. This case was scheduled twice for trial, once in 2025 and again in early 2026 with both defendants waiting until the first day of the second scheduled trial to plead guilty, which was far too late according to the judge.

"Key evidence gathered during the investigation proved vital at court and the sentences today are welcomed by both North Yorkshire Police and the victim. I hope now some closure can be had knowing these two are behind bars."