York men jailed for blackmailing vulnerable man for cash using threats of violence

Peter Anthony Egan and Wade Clifford Michael Kershaw, both from York, have been sentenced for the horrific threats issued against a man last year.

Egan, 54, and 18-year-old Kershaw, met the victim in York on August 27 and sent multiple threats over a period of three days to blackmail him into handing over his money.

The pair even forced the victim into contacting family members to extort further amounts of cash.

The crimes came to light when the man was found two days later in a distressed state by police in York.

Sentenced at York Crown Court this week, Egan was jailed for three years and one month for blackmail and possession of a bladed article.

Kershaw was sentenced to four years in a young offenders institute, with 32 months for blackmail and 16 months for assault.

Speaking after the sentencing, DC Alex Dorlin, of York CID, said: “Egan and Kershaw targeted a vulnerable person and used the most horrific threats of physical and sexual violence to terrify the victim into handing over cash.

"The victim was in genuine fear for his safety, believing that Egan and Kershaw would carry out their threats if he did not hand over his money.

“Thankfully he was able to get out of the situation safely. However the whole experience left him very shaken and distressed.

“I hope the sentences handed to Egan and Kershaw sends a clear message to those who think they can target, threaten and take advantage of vulnerable people.

"North Yorkshire Police will do everything in our power to put you in front of the courts and ensure justice is done.”