A vicious gang has been jailed for terrifying men across Ramsey in a shocking series of kidnappings and blackmail attacks—after luring victims online. Using fake profiles, the criminals tricked men into traps, brutalised them, and stole tens of thousands of pounds.
Attack 1: The Puddle of Humiliation
Victim forced to drink from puddle and hand over £25,100
On 14 August, 2024, a 37-year-old man went to Queen Mary Close, Ramsey, expecting a date. Instead, 19-year-old Keileigh Spencer was filming him while 20-year-old Tristian Vernon-Harriott jumped from the bushes, threatening to kill him unless he gave up his phone and passcode.
Vernon-Harriott poured water over the man’s head, forced him to drink from a puddle, and demanded £10,000—leaving the terrified victim to eventually transfer £25,100.
Attack 2: Hammer and False Confessions
25-year-old held overnight, car stolen, £13,780 extorted
Two weeks later, a 25-year-old man was lured to the same spot. He was hammered in the head, kicked in the face, and forced to falsely confess to crimes on camera by Jesse Morgan-Smith and a 16-year-old accomplice.
He was held overnight alongside Jonathan Stokes, forced to transfer £13,780, and had his vehicle stolen.
Attack 3: Grain Store Nightmare
45-year-old beaten, £2,200 stolen
On 5 September, 2024, a 45-year-old man met Spencer and was taken to a grain store. Repeatedly punched by Morgan-Smith, he was coerced by David Chapman and Michelle Bailey into applying for a £10,000 loan. The gang stole £2,200 from his account while holding him overnight.
Attack 4: Machete Terror
23-year-old left with broken nose and stolen car
The final victim, a 23-year-old man, suffered a broken nose and fractured cheekbone at the hands of Vernon-Harriott and Morgan-Smith. A machete was pressed to his leg while banking details were demanded. His £585 was stolen, and his car was taken.
Police Uncover Chilling Network
Detectives used CCTV, banking records, and mobile phone data to link all attacks.
Detective Constable Hannah Moore said: “These were calculated and deeply disturbing crimes. The gang showed no remorse, using fear and humiliation to extort money. The victims endured terrifying ordeals, leaving lasting scars.”
Justice Served: Gang Members Jailed
After an eight-week trial at Cambridge Crown Court, all members of the gang were sentenced:
David Chapman, 43, of The Avenue, Ramsey, was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison.
Jonathan Stokes, 36, of Mallard Close, Ramsey, was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, acquiring criminal property and dangerous driving. He was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison.
Michelle Bailey, 40, of The Avenue, Ramsey, was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, two counts of acquiring criminal property and two counts of transferring criminal property. She was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison.
Tristian Vernon-Harriott, 20, of Queen Mary Close, Ramsey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, possession of articles to be used in fraud and acquiring criminal property. He was jailed for 10 years and two months.
Keileigh Spencer, 19, of Queen Mary Close, Ramsey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail. She was jailed for eight years and four months.
Jesse Morgan-Smith, 18, of Field Road, Ramsey, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to blackmail, possession of a knife, acquiring criminal property and being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs. He was jailed for eight years and two months.
A 16-year-old boy, from St Neots, who can’t be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to kidnap and conspiracy to blackmail. He was jailed for three years and four months.
Warning: Online Deception Can Turn Deadly
The gang’s reign of terror highlights the dangers lurking behind innocent online chats. Victims suffered both physically and emotionally, with stolen sums ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of pounds.
“These offenders will now face the consequences of their actions. Thanks to the bravery of the victims, justice has been done,” said DC Moore.
Ramsey residents remain in shock as the court hands down sentences, sending a chilling message: never trust strangers online—and always stay alert
