Woman Sentenced for Blackmailing Vulnerable Elderly Man
A 55-year-old woman has been sentenced to prison for blackmailing and threatening a vulnerable elderly man.
Donna Green, residing in Cinnamon Close, Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, coerced a man in his 70s into covering her expenses, including bills, groceries, and phone contracts. She resorted to threats of violence if he refused her demands.
Between March and October 2023, Green manipulated the elderly man into running errands for her at all hours. Throughout this period, he transferred a total of £5,576 to her.
Upon pleading guilty to blackmail and malicious communications, Green received a sentence of 16 months in prison at Gloucester Crown Court.
Investigation Highlights Exploitation
Concerns arose when a support worker for the victim observed significant withdrawals from his bank account, leading to his mounting debt and risk of eviction due to unpaid rent and bills.
When questioned, the man disclosed that he was providing approximately £800 a month to Green, mentioning that she threatened to cease her visits if he were to stop financially supporting her.
Green was arrested on 12 October 2023 but was released on bail to allow for the examination of her mobile phone, which later revealed several threatening messages alongside her financial demands.
Further Developments and Charges
In September 2024, following a detailed investigation, Green was re-interviewed and subsequently charged. During the questioning, she claimed a close friendship with the victim, asserting that she was helping him with errands and bills rather than exploiting him.
In addition to her prison sentence, a restraining order was placed on Green, preventing her from contacting the victim for seven years.
Remarks from the Investigation Officer
Investigating officer PC Bundock commented, “Green exploited the man’s trust and regularly employed threats of violence or severing their friendship to achieve her aims. I hope this conviction serves as a clear message about the seriousness with which we view such offenses.”
