Man jailed for blackmail – Maidenhead

Man jailed for blackmail

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for blackmail offences in Maidenhead.

Harry Michael Bampton, aged 28, of Abercromby Avenue, Wycombe, was sentenced to a total of two years and three months imprisonment, at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday 24 March, after pleading guilty to one count of blackmail.

On 16 February, this year, Bampton approached the victim, a man in his late teens, and  threatened him with violence if he did not give him money.

The victim refused and Bampton followed him, repeating his demands and increasing the threats being made. Following this, the victim received phone messages and calls multiple times, with more demands made.

Bampton was arrested on 24 February and charged the same day.

Detective Constable Lily Ellis of the Priority Crime Team in East Berkshire, said: “I would like to thank the victim and witnesses of this crime, for their diligence in supporting this investigation, which allowed us to quickly arrest and charge the offender with blackmail.

“On the offence date in February of this year, the defendant targeted a vulnerable victim and made unwarranted demands. He showed no regard to the victims welfare and was selfish in his actions focusing on his own personal gain.

“I am pleased he has been held accountable and now has time to reflect on his behaviour.”