Man jailed for blackmailing Lee Anderson with 'video recording'

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson wearing a black suit and cream patterned tie
-Credit:Joseph Raynor/Reach PLC


A man has been jailed for more than two years over the blackmail of Ashfield MP Lee Anderson. The Reform UK MP says he is "relieved" at the sentence passed down in a recent crown court hearing.

Mr Anderson received an email on January 23, 2023, when he was still a member of the Conservative Party. The email purported to be from a Vicky Chambers and read: "I have a video recording that may be [of] interest to you, if you wish to retain being an MP in the next general election.

"Please can you confirm your availability on the 5th February @ 11:00 hrs The Red Gate Inn. I will allow you to watch video recording and then ask for a cash offer.

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"Don't be late & table will be under Mrs Bellow." Mr Anderson reported the matter to police and Robert Castle was eventually charged with blackmail.

Castle pleaded guilty at a Winchester Crown Court hearing on October 23, 2024, and was sentenced on January 24. The blackmailer was given 26 months in prison and was ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

Mr Anderson said: "I am obviously relieved that this vile person has been locked up. Blackmailing anyone is a disgusting crime that can cause anyone a whole lot of grief, but to blackmail an MP is an attack on democracy. I will never back down to blackmail."