Man and woman from Fermanagh are sent to prison for blackmailing a man in the Lisburn area

Jason Hamill (31), and Lorna White (27) were both sentenced at Craigavon Crown Court on Tuesday (June 6, 2023).

Mr Hamill, whose address was given as Main Street, Newtownbutler in County Fermanagh, was sentenced to four years and four months after pleading guilty to blackmail.

Meanwhile Ms White, whose address was given as Main Street, Aghagay, Newtownbutler in County Fermanagh, was sentenced to three years and 10 months after entering a guilty plea to blackmail.

Both sentences are on the basis of half to be served in custody and half on licence.

Speaking following the sentencing at Craigavon Crown Court on Tuesday June 6, Detective Inspector Bell from Lisburn’s Serious Crime Branch, said: “The sentences passed down to Mr Hamill and Ms White are related to their roles in blackmailing a man in the Lisburn area between March 21 and April 2, 2022.

“This was sinister behaviour from Mr Hamill and Ms White and the victim felt intimidated by their campaign of blackmail.

“It was a distressing ordeal for the man involved and I hope today’s sentencing provides some reassurance to the man’s family and to the public.

“I’m keen to take the opportunity to encourage anyone else who may be the victim of blackmail to contact police on 101 or a report can be submitted online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”