A 23-year-old man from Cleethorpes has been jailed for five years after conning almost £2,000 out of unwitting victims, who believed they were flirting with potential partners online.
Paul Snelson pleaded guilty to eight counts of blackmail after he contacted men on different websites while posing as a woman.
Snelson engaged in overtly sexual chat with these man during conversations held online. He also shared images of a sexual nature of women that he’d taken from the internet.
He received similar images from the men and at that point he immediately started to make demands for money. He also threatened to post the images and content of the conversations online if they didn’t pay up.
A further eight offences were taken into account during a hearing at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday, November 8.
Judge Peter Kelson QC described this as ‘an extremely serious case’.
Nichola Oakley, detective constable at Humberside Police’s Major Crime team, said: “Paul Snelson blackmailed these individuals who genuinely believed they were talking with and engaging in intimate chats with women.
“I want to thank these men, who are from all over the UK, for having the bravery to come forward and for bringing Snelson to our attention.
“I believe if they hadn’t have contacted the police, Paul Snelson would have carried on believing he could threaten and embarrass even more men into paying him to keep quiet.
“He said that he would post the images, contact details, and false stories about the victims on social media sites so that they could be seen by their friends and family.
“We tracked Paul Snelson through his own bank details which he had foolishly sent to the men to deposit cash into. We are investigating other transactions found on that account.
“I want to issue a warning to anyone who takes part in online dating or chats to be careful what details or images they send over the internet. The person that they’re talking to may not be all they seem.
“Anyone can become a victim of unscrupulous individuals like Paul Snelson who only sought to profit by deception, and eventually threats and aggression. His actions backfired on him which has now landed him in prison. I want to encourage anyone who may think they are a victim of blackmail to contact us.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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