St Neots Teen Among Group Sentenced for Series of Violent Extortion Attacks

A 16-year-old boy from St Neots has been sentenced for his part in a series of violent and premeditated attacks that targeted men across Ramsey last year.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail and was sentenced to three years and four months in youth custody.

The crimes, which took place between August and September 2024, involved three men, two women, and the teenage boy luring victims using fake online profiles. Men were tricked into believing they were meeting women they had been speaking to, only to be ambushed and forced to hand over large sums of money.

The first attack occurred on 14 August, when a 37-year-old man arrived in Queen Mary Close, Ramsey, to meet 19-year-old Keileigh Spencer, who was recording him. Tristian Vernon-Harriott emerged from nearby bushes, threatened to kill the victim if he did not hand over his phone and passcode, demanded £10,000, poured water over his head, and forced him to drink from a puddle. Ultimately, the victim transferred £25,100 to the group.

Two weeks later, on 29 August, a 25-year-old man was lured to the same area. He was attacked with a hammer, kicked in the face, and forced to falsely confess to crimes on camera by Jesse Morgan-Smith and the St Neots teenager. The victim was held overnight, forced to transfer £13,780, and had his vehicle stolen. Jonathan Stokes and another man were also involved in this assault.

On 5 September, a 45-year-old man was taken to a grain store after meeting Spencer. He was repeatedly punched by Morgan-Smith and coerced into applying for a £10,000 loan while being held overnight. David Chapman and Michelle Bailey were present throughout the ordeal. The victim lost a further £2,200.

The final attack, on 7 September, saw a 23-year-old man suffer a broken nose and fractured cheekbone after being assaulted by Vernon-Harriott and Morgan-Smith at the same location. A machete was held to his leg as banking details were demanded, he was driven home, and both his vehicle and £585 from his account were stolen.

Following an eight-week trial at Cambridge Crown Court, the Ramsey-based adults received lengthy prison sentences:

• David Chapman, 43, jailed for 13 years for conspiracy to kidnap and blackmail

• Jonathan Stokes, 36, jailed for eight years and six months for conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, acquiring criminal property, and dangerous driving

• Michelle Bailey, 40, jailed for seven years and three months for conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, and criminal property offences

• Tristian Vernon-Harriott, 20, jailed for 10 years and two months for conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, possession of articles to be used in fraud, and acquiring criminal property

• Keileigh Spencer, 19, jailed for eight years and four months for conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail

• Jesse Morgan-Smith, 18, jailed for eight years and two months for conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, possession of a knife, acquiring criminal property, and involvement in the supply of class A and B drugs

Detective Constable Hannah Moore, who led the investigation, said:

"These were calculated and deeply disturbing crimes. The victims were subjected to terrifying ordeals, physical violence, and psychological abuse, leaving lasting emotional and physical scars. The group showed no remorse, using fear and humiliation to extort money. Thanks to the bravery of the victims and the work of our officers, we have been able to bring those responsible to justice."

The sentences highlight the serious consequences of targeting individuals through manipulation, violence, and intimidation. The St Neots teenager, despite his age, played a direct role in the attacks and will serve a custodial sentence in a youth facility.