Pickering blackmailer made woman pay partner’s debt

Their victim has been praised for her “incredible courage” by defying Maximilian Barnes, 30, of Pickering and Wayne Lee, 40, of Bradford.

North Yorkshire Police said the debt was linked to the woman’s partner, who had disappeared without trace after getting involved with the two blackmailers

Blackmailer Wayne Lees (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Lee then told the woman she had to pay up and the pair threatened her with violence unless she did so.

She yielded to their initial threats but then, as the threats continued, she went to police and today both blackmailers are serving prison sentences.

DC Sam Rivers of Scarborough CID, said: “The victim in this case has shown incredible courage to come forward and stand up against these two intimidating criminals, not only has she continued her support of the investigation throughout without wavering but she also read her victim impact statement out at court herself, a rare occurrence now a days and very impactful.

“Her courage has now prevented these defendants from committing further offences and harming others.”

Blackmailer Maximilian Barnes (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Barnes, of Vipas Lane, Pickering, and Lee, of Osterley Grove, Bradford, both initially denied blackmail. Their trial was listed twice, once in 2025, and once this year, at York Crown Court and they eventually pleaded guilty on the first day of their trial on January 26.

Today Barnes is serving 21 months in jail and Lee 32 months in jail.

A police spokesman said the pair blackmailed the woman for three weeks during which she handed over a PlayStation 5 console and an Apple Watch in early July 2024, as well as cash payments of £100 on two occasions.

The threats were made via WhatsApp messages, voice messages and in front of the victim’s mother.

Eventually she decided she couldn’t pay any more and as the threats continued, went to police.

DC Rivers said: “Key evidence gathered during the investigation proved vital at court and the sentences today are welcomed by both North Yorkshire Police and the victim. I hope now some closure can be had knowing these two are behind bars.”