Rico Castle, a 21-year-old from Ashford, has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison after systematically extorting tens of thousands of pounds from a vulnerable man over a period of two years.
Rico Castle Image Kent Police
The sentencing took place at Canterbury Crown Court on 21 April 2026, following a complex investigation by Kent Police that revealed the extent of Castle’s predatory behaviour.
The exploitation began in early 2021 after Castle met the victim and discovered he held a savings account. Under the guise of temporary loans that were never repaid, Castle pressured the man into surrendering his savings. As time progressed, the demands grew increasingly excessive and were accompanied by violent threats directed at the victim and his loved ones. Living in constant fear of repercussions, the victim continued to hand over cash until the total amount stolen exceeded £22,000.
The ordeal finally came to light in July 2023 when a person close to the victim noticed significant changes in his behaviour. Once the victim disclosed the blackmail to this trusted individual, the police were alerted and an investigation was immediately launched. Castle, formerly of Willesborough Road in Kennington, eventually pleaded guilty to making unwarranted demands of money between January 2021 and July 2023, leading to his recent incarceration.
Investigating officer PC Ed Pegg said:
‘Castle is a greedy, manipulative offender who intimidated a vulnerable victim for financial gain. He cared nothing for the distress and anxiety he caused, nor was he concerned about taking tens of thousands of pounds from somebody else.
‘I’m pleased that Castle has been given a custodial sentence and I hope it is of some comfort to the victim to know that he has been put behind bars. Those who would seek to exploit others in this way should expect to be made to face the consequences of their crimes.’