Harwich man jailed after blackmail plot involving woman in Ipswich
23 year old Tye Parker has also been convicted of robbery and aggravated burglary
Last updated 21st Apr 2022
A Harwich man is starting a 15 year prison sentence after a blackmail plot involving an Ipswich woman, who was allegedly held captive over a drug debt.
23 year old Tye Parker, of Burr Close, was found guilty of robbery, aggravated burglary and blackmail at Ipswich Crown Court in March.
Co-defendant Louie Charles, 21, of Wivenhoe Park in Colchester, was cleared of two counts of false imprisonment and one charge each of blackmail and kidnap.
Parker was sentenced in relation to three separate incidents.
The firast happened late in the evening on February 19, when a man driving a Mercedes was robbed in Colchester; having his car keys, phone and shoes taken by three people.
The same trio later btoke into the victim's Dagenham home, threatening the occupants with a gun.
The second incident happened in Ipswich on March 4 2019. A 24 year old woman was approached and told to pay off a ÂŁ10,000 drug debt. She was then drive to Tottenham and held captive in a loft. She was later able to escape and alert neighbours.
On 16 March 2019 a 53 year old tenant of the same home in Tottneham was also held against his will, but was later located unhurt. Parker was arrested after this incident.
Detective Sergeant Chloe Booty, of Suffolk Police, said: “This case is a prime example of how serious criminals with links to other areas of the country see fit to commit serious acts of criminality in Suffolk - hopefully this will serve as a lesson that Suffolk police take these matters seriously and deal with them robustly.
“This trial has taken a long time and been a lot of work for all involved including numerous witnesses and victims who have been brave enough to come forwards and support police in their investigation.
"I hope now that the victims and witnesses can continue on in their lives with their mind put at ease that a dangerous perpetrator will now face a period of time in prison.”