Watford man jailed for three years over £50k blackmail plot

Makan Patel, of Ridge Lane, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court this morning (September 13) for sentencing over one count of blackmail.

The 60-year-old had previously admitted making an "unwarranted demand” of £50,000 from another man “with menaces” in Eltham, south London, on May 28.

In court today, Patel was sentenced to three years in jail and was ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge upon his release.

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The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for more information.

Also in court: 

Tony Sanderson, 45, was ordered to pay £452 at St Albans Magistrates' Court yesterday (September 12) over trespassing and assault by beating at Watford Junction Station last year.

Sanderson was sentenced over trespassing at Watford Junction last year. (Image: Newsquest) Sanderson, of Honeysuckle Field in Chesham, had denied trespassing on the train tracks and attacking two women on March 27, 2023.

But magistrates found him guilty of all charges and ordered him to pay £452, of which there was a £180 fine and £200 in court costs.

No compensation was ordered to the two victims due to "the time that has passed", according to the court files.