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07/05/2013
Five Men Convicted Of Blackmail
The PSNI Organised Crime Branch and Ards Police have welcomed convictions in the trial of five men who blackmailed an individual to the sum of £10,000.
Richard Cedric Barry (40), Glen Noel William Benson (42), Martin Thomas Mark Fleming (43), Andrew Richard McBride (31) and David Alexander Walsh (42) were convicted at Belfast Crown Court on 3 May for their part in the extortion, which occurred between September and October 2009.
In a statement, the PSNI said: "Extortion is a particularly difficult crime to combat and we pay tribute to the victim in this case who had the courage to report the matter to police and work with detectives as the investigation progressed.
"The convicted defendants believed they could obtain money from the victim because he was vulnerable. But police have systems in place to ensure that those people who come forward with complaints about blackmail or extortion are looked after properly."
Despite news that there has been a reduction in the incidence of extortion cases in recent years, police still believe it is a "considerable problem" in some communities, as paramilitaries and organised crime groups make unwarranted financial demands upon individuals and businesses.
"Only a small percentage of victims of extortion actually report the matter to police," the statement said.
"If more victims worked with us, police would have much more success in protecting individuals, families, businesses and communities.
"Today's convictions are an example of our continuing commitment to crack down on organised crime in Northern Ireland. We are committed to playing our part, working with others to protect individuals and the community and bringing offenders before the courts."
(IT/MH)
Richard Cedric Barry (40), Glen Noel William Benson (42), Martin Thomas Mark Fleming (43), Andrew Richard McBride (31) and David Alexander Walsh (42) were convicted at Belfast Crown Court on 3 May for their part in the extortion, which occurred between September and October 2009.
In a statement, the PSNI said: "Extortion is a particularly difficult crime to combat and we pay tribute to the victim in this case who had the courage to report the matter to police and work with detectives as the investigation progressed.
"The convicted defendants believed they could obtain money from the victim because he was vulnerable. But police have systems in place to ensure that those people who come forward with complaints about blackmail or extortion are looked after properly."
Despite news that there has been a reduction in the incidence of extortion cases in recent years, police still believe it is a "considerable problem" in some communities, as paramilitaries and organised crime groups make unwarranted financial demands upon individuals and businesses.
"Only a small percentage of victims of extortion actually report the matter to police," the statement said.
"If more victims worked with us, police would have much more success in protecting individuals, families, businesses and communities.
"Today's convictions are an example of our continuing commitment to crack down on organised crime in Northern Ireland. We are committed to playing our part, working with others to protect individuals and the community and bringing offenders before the courts."
(IT/MH)
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