Two women 'tormented' family through 'extreme bullying' of threats and violence
A family was tormented by a prolonged campaign of "bullying" and "extortion" by two women.
Yvonne Sayers, 33, and Ashley Donaldson, 32 picked on a husband and wife in Walker, Newcastle when their son fled the city with what are believed to be drug debts.
Newcastle Crown Court heard the son told his mum and dad he was moving away in October 2020.
Their threats and intimidation tactics left the family feeling unsafe and wanting to move away.
The pair made repeated demands for cash and damage was done to the couple's property. The family handed over whatever money they could and one incident even saw the pair attempting to smash a window while their daughters and six-year-old grandson were inside, Chronicle Live reported.
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Sayers and Donaldson admitted harassment between October 2020 and March 2021 and affray in March 2021. Prosecutors dropped a charge of blackmail as the pair admitted to the other charges.
Vincent Graham, who admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply (Northumbria Police)
Sayers also admitted to possessing cannabis with intent (Newcastle Chronicle)They were warned that going within 10 metres of the family's gate would land them in prison after the judge imposed a restraining order.
Sentencing them, Judge Christopher Prince said: "The pair of you tormented the family. There are various words that could be applied. Some would frame it as a form of blackmail, extortion or extreme bullying - those are all apposite words."
The judge later said he used the word blackmail in a non-legal sense.
Sayers also admitted to possessing cannabis with intent along with Vincent Graham, 21. She received an 18-month community order but only because she has done the equivalent of a three-year sentence - on remand for 17 months and on a curfew for 50 days.
Donaldson was given an 18-month community order and Graham was given ten months suspended for 18 months.
Among the multiple examples of harassment and intimidation was a brick being put through a rear window of a car parked on the family drive.
Sayers also tried to pick up a door and throw it through a window.
The family attempted to stump up the cash for the pair and the dad managed to borrow £1,000, which was then given to Donaldson and passed to Sayers.
More demands for cash were made after and the son transferred his father £400, who also sold his computer for £160.
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Another £400 transferred over from the son was used to pay Sayers, who is said to have been under the influence when she went to the family home and demanded £50.
Another demand for cash saw her waltz in and demand £20 as she helped herself to a cigarette,
Sayers then mentioned that £4,500 was owed but then Donaldson rang the dad saying the figure had gone up to £7,500.
Graeme O'Sullivan, prosecuting, said: "Sayers would make reference to the family name and she would say it was her father's money that was owed.
"They made threats someone would put their windows out if it was not paid. He was scared for himself and his family's safety. On two occasions his mobility vehicle had its window smashed and his son-in-law's minibus had a window smashed."
The dad later saw her outside "shouting and screaming and making threats".
Mr O'Sullivan said: "(The dad's) daughters were present. Sayers was shouting threats that she would put out their windows and that their house would be petrol bombed."
Mr O'Sullivan added: "She said she wanted £20 for vodka and if not she would jump off a bridge and kill herself or slit her throat.
"She made reference to the debt being £7,500. Donaldson was with her, egging her on and also tried to pick up a door to smash a window.
"Also present in the (victims') home were their daughters and other family and their six-year-old grandson."
In a victim impact statement, the man said: "I have felt threatened and intimidated and struggled to cope with the demands for money. We don't feel safe and want to move away and move on with our lives.
"The actions of Ashley Donaldson and Yvonne Sayers have had a hugely damaging effect. Even after they were arrested we were living with the worry they might return. For a long time afterwards none of us felt safe."
His wife added: "They have caused me and my family a huge amount of worry and upset. Following damage to our windows I was worried about going out in the garden in case of further incidents with me and my family.
"We had to deal with repeated demands for money and it's affected our children. I've been dealing with serious health problems and the worry of my health has made the additional worry even less welcome. I would like them to keep away from my family."
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