A shocking betrayal has resulted in Jenna Thompson, 40, being sentenced to over three years in prison after she blackmailed a longtime friend out of more than £23,000. Newcastle Crown Court heard how Thompson pretended to be a menacing man, sending the victim terrifying threats that pushed her to the brink.
9 Months of Fear and Threats
The victim, who had generously helped Thompson with money after she fell ill and left work, began receiving chilling messages in November 2023. Thompson posed as a violent man, warning that the woman’s home would be attacked unless she transferred cash to Thompson’s account.
For nine months, the victim paid sums ranging from £50 to £1,000 multiple times a week. The threats escalated with grim images of crossbows, grenades, and claims that a car would be crashed into her house if she refused to pay.
Double Act of Deception
When the victim tried to block the first threatening number, another appeared, posing as an even more brutal associate demanding more money. Shockingly, both identities were faked by Thompson to keep the payments coming.
In total, the victim made 87 payments amounting to £23,466, leaving her with just 16p in her bank account. She had also given Thompson thousands more over the years to support her.
Victim’s Heartbreaking Statement
“My entire world collapsed,” the victim told the court. “Jenna weaponised our friendship and the intimate details of my life. I felt trapped, controlled, and driven by fear with every payment. I was living on nothing for months and too scared to tell anyone.”
At sentencing, Recorder Emma Smith condemned Thompson’s “wicked” abuse of kindness, calling it a gross betrayal. Thompson had used a burner phone to send the threatening calls and left her friend penniless.
When caught, Thompson claimed the victim had “bragged” about being able to lose money – a callous excuse for cruel blackmail.
Originally published by UKNIP.
