Former Pc is jailed for blackmail

The court heard how the gang targeted two businessmen

A former police officer who admitted his part in bungled blackmail plots has been jailed for more than two years.

South Wales Police firearms expert Pc Ray Clark, 41, used a replica handgun to help a gang scare their victims out of more than £40,000.

But the scams backfired and Pc Clark was arrested by fellow officers before the gang collected any money.

A judge at Newport Crown Court also jailed two other men for seven years for their part in the blackmail plots.

Allan Coe, 45, and Anthony Holwell, 48, both of Newport, were jailed after their trial in which the former police officer gave evidence against them.

Mark Brogan, 37, of Newport, admitted conspiracy to blackmail. He was given a suspended 12-month sentence and ordered to do 250 hours community work.

Prosecutor Huw Evans told Newport Crown Court how father-of-two Clark, from Newport, was part of a plot by a gang trying to extort money from their victims.

Their first victim was suspected drug dealer Mark Griffiths.

Clark's evidence was not just icing on the cake but it was fairly crucial for the crown's case

Judge Roderick Denyer

Mr Evans said: "They surveyed Griffiths at a lock-up garage. They broke in but found no cash or cannabis which they suspected were there.

"Clark kept watch on Griffiths while one of the accomplices told him he was under police surveillance from the Metropolitan force.

"Mr Griffiths was told that it would cost him between £20,000 and £30,000 to make the police surveillance go away."

Mr Griffiths ignored the threat until another accomplice made a telephone call warning: "Don't forget about your family or your kids."

But Mr Griffiths then contacted Gwent Police about the blackmail plot and it led to Pc Clark in the neighbouring South Wales Police firearms unit.

Clark was also involved in a second blackmail plot.

Gypsies

Mr Evans said businessman Ronald Hancock was "nervous" - and was prepared to pay people to protect him and his gaming machine company.

Newport Crown Court heard Clark and his accomplices warned Mr Hancock that a gypsy gang was targeting his house but that he could pay for protection from "the SAS men".

Mr Evans said: "Ray Clark was to drive his car to Mr Hancock's front gate to make him think it was gypsies casing the joint.

"Mr Hancock then met Clark and he agreed to provide protection. They met in a car in a dark lane and Clark produced a gun.

"Mr Hancock was significantly frightened by the handgun and he was reduced to tears."

But the the plan backfired when Mr Hancock phoned police.

Suspended sentence

Mr Evans said the motive was "purely to get money."

He said: "It was a bizarre but quite determined plot."

Judge Roderick Denyer said: "Clark's evidence was not just icing on the cake but it was fairly crucial for the crown's case."

The court heard that Clark's sentence was halved for providing evidence against Cole and Holwell and received a further reduction for pleading guilty.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigated to ensure no other police officers were involved.

South Wales Police dismissed Mr Clark before his trial.

The court heard he has recently participated in a video made by South Wales Police to warn new recruits about the dangers of becoming involved with criminals.