Conspiracy to commit blackmail

Those who are accused of conspiring to commit blackmail could face very serious consequences if convicted, the maximum sentence for blackmail is one of 14 years imprisonment

The Theft Act 1968 section 21 defines the substantive offence of blackmail as “when one makes unwarranted demands with menaces in order to attain personal gain or project loss on another”. 

It doesn’t matter whether the demands are possible or in what fashion the demands are made. These could be expressed, implied, written, spoken or through conduct.” 

Conspiracy to commit blackmail cases often involve complex evidence in order to prove the agreement to make the demands has taken place. 

There are two significant ways in which you can defend against a blackmail case. First, is to establish whether you have a statutory defence. For example were there reasonable grounds for making the demand and was the use of menaces a proper means for enforcing the demand. Second is to ensure that you seek advice from an expert criminal defence solicitor who has experience in dealing with complex areas of evidence. In our experience conspiracy to blackmail cases often involve digital forensic evidence. The prosecution usually uses this evidence on order to establish an evidential link between the conspirators and also the victim or victims.

To speak to a member of the Burton Copeland team for advice on a conspiracy to commit blackmail offence you can either call us on 0161 827 9500 , or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you.