A “greedy” blackmailer who preyed upon a vulnerable man for more than two years to obtain tens of thousands of pounds has been jailed.
Rico Castle, from Ashford, admitted to making an unwarranted demand of money between January 2021 and July 2023.
Rico Castle has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for blackmail. Picture: Kent Police
The 21-year-old was initially friends with the victim – who has ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome – before discovering he had a savings account.
Castle began pressuring him for money. The victim was told it would be paid back, but this did not happen.
Castle’s demands became excessive, asking for increasing amounts of cash and threatening to harm the victim and those he cared about if he refused.
Frightened of potential repercussions for not paying, he continued to hand over the money each time.
In total, “manipulative” Castle forced the man to part with more than £22,000.
A person close to the victim became concerned about changes in his behaviour, leading to his disclosure and police being alerted on July 7, 2023.
Initial enquiries were completed and Castle, formerly of Willesborough Road, Kennington, was arrested. Following a complex investigation, he was later charged with blackmail.
He pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court and, on April 21, was sentenced at the same court to three years and four months’ imprisonment.
Investigating officer PC Ed Pegg said: “Castle is a greedy, manipulative offender who intimidated a vulnerable victim for financial gain.
“He cared nothing for the distress and anxiety he caused, nor was he concerned about taking tens of thousands of pounds from somebody else.
“I’m pleased that Castle has been given a custodial sentence, and I hope it is of some comfort to the victim to know that he has been put behind bars.
“Those who would seek to exploit others in this way should expect to be made to face the consequences of their crimes.”