Father and son jailed for robbing £400 from vulnerable man

Andrew Ellis, of Warwick Road, and his son Jay David Newsome, of Turner Avenue, were sent to prison for 16 months after admitting targeting a former neighbour and supplying drugs from January and March this year.

Leeds Crown Court heard Mr Laher, who suffers from learning difficulties, frequently visited Ellis’s home to purchase drugs.

Khaleeq Zaman, mitigating, said: “A group would all meet at the house and Mr Laher would consume alcohol and drugs with others.

“Money was put into a pot and a drug dealer was contacted with an order.”

Mr Laher’s brother became increasingly concerned and took his post office card, which enabled Mr Laher to withdraw money, the court heard.

Mr Zaman said: “Over time a debt built up on the part of Mr Laher and problems only arose when he moved house without notice.

“Ellis was left with a considerable amount of financial debt owed to the drug dealer. They had to settle the debt themselves.”

After being informed about Mr Laher’s whereabouts, he was invited to Ellis’ house by Newsome on February 22 this year.

Bashir Ahmed, prosecuting, said: “Mr Laher was supplied with alcohol and repeatedly asked for the money.

“They told him he owed them money and he had better get them the money or he would be stabbed.”

Mr Laher contacted the post office in Batley Carr and was informed he could collect his new card and PIN the following morning.

Having stayed at Ellis’s home, Newsome accompanied Mr Laher to the post office where Ellis was waiting.

Mr Ahmed said: “Both Ellis and Newsome were in possession of a knife and stabbing threats were made.”

Mr Laher withdrew £400 and the cash was given to the father and son.

Ellis and Newsome visited Leeds and spent the money on alcohol before returning to Batley demanding more cash from Mr Laher.

Newsome and Ellis were sentenced to 16 months in prison and banned from having any contact with Mr Laher for five years.