Builder admits to blackmail

A 47-year-old builder is facing sentence after admitting blackmail in an attempt to obtain £8,000.

Derek Brundbridge was serving a prison sentence for driving while disqualified when he wrote the threatening letter to Michael Large in November last year.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that the matter dated back to 2000 when Brundbridge, of Earlsworth Road, Willesborough, near Ashford, did some work for Mr Large, who lives in Tenterden.

A dispute arose over payment and whether Brundbridge, was entitled to some money when the property was sold.

He wrote to Mr Large telling him it was his last chance to pay £8,000 and if he did not he would be going to see him for the last time. He added he did not mind if it meant spending the rest of his life in jail.

Matthew Sherrat, defending, said there had been a genuine dispute over a debt but Brundbridge's actions were totally unwarranted.

Brundbridge had a psychiatric history and while in prison did not receive his medication. "As a result, he was not in control as much as he normally would be," said Mr Sherrat. "He has a personality disorder and is an impulsive type. Out of the blue, he writes this letter."

Judge Michael Neligan said it was either a serious case of blackmail, or it was explained by the absence of medication.

"If it is a failure to provide medication, it is a case for probation," he said. "If not, it is a non-starter. I don't want to encourage false hopes."

Adjourning sentence for reports until June 11, the judge told Brundbridge, who has served 10 months on remand: "No promises of any kind are being made."