A victim "feared for their safety" after a blackmailer made threatening calls and sent them abusive letters.

The victim sent Gavin Chesworth, 44, around 40 payments totalling more than £22,000 for a club membership.

Chesworth forced the victim to pay him money for more than a year and was brought to justice following a police investigation.

He threatened to tell the victim's employers that a fraud had taken place when, in fact, they had done nothing wrong.

Chesworth demanded money and bank transfer payments were made the the victim between November 2021 and December 2022.

Gavin ChesworthGavin Chesworth (Image: Lancashire Police)

In a statement read to the court, the victim said: “Being blackmailed has had a devastating effect on me in so many ways, emotionally, financially and psychologically.

“In total I paid the blackmailer over 40 times, paying him £22,060.

“Being blackmailed made me very anxious, frightened and intimidated. When I started receiving threatening calls and threatening abusive letters, I feared for my own safety.

“I never knew when the blackmailer would turn up at work and I became more withdrawn, depressed and had negative thoughts, but I still felt unable to tell anyone.

“I still feel powerless and vulnerable and also angry at having all my hard-earned savings stolen.

“I feel guilty for the distress it has caused my family.”

Chesworth, of Levine Avenue, Blackpool, was sentenced to five years in prison by Judge Graham Knowles at Preston Crown Court last week (Friday, November 29).

He pleaded guilty to a single count of blackmail.

Det Con Stu Kane of Lancashire Police said: “Gavin Chesworth blackmailed a vulnerable victim out of a large amount of money for more than a year.

“His actions had a devastating effect on the victim, and I welcome the prison sentence which the judge imposed.

“If you are being blackmailed or forced into handing over money against your will, please report it to police and we will thoroughly investigate.”