TWO Lancaster men charged with trying to blackmail one of the world's richest men have had their case adjourned until August 21 at Horseferry Road Magistrates Court, London. They were charged following an alleged attempt to extort £75,000 from the high-profile billionaire with an offer to supply a video purporting to feature a group of MPs discussing threats against the businessman's life.
The accused, who were arrested by officers from New Scotland Yard's Organised Crimes Group in March this year, are self-employed builder Geoffrey Crossley, 48, of Brookside Road and Simon Peach, 32, of Leslie Avenue, Caton.
They are charged with demanding £75,000 with menaces from a person codenamed 'AB' between March 24 and 26 this year.
The court has made an order under the Contempt of Court Act banning publication of the alleged victim's identity.
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