An ex-boyfriend of socialite Tamara Ecclestone was jailed on Tuesday for four years for trying to blackmail her for £200,000.
Derek Rose, 33, was involved in a 2011 plot in which Ecclestone received an email falsely claiming he had been offered the six-figure sum to sell a tabloid newspaper the story of their relationship, and mentioning the possibility of a “non-release fee”.
Rose, previously called Jonathan Ketterman until he changed his name by deed poll, dated Ecclestone in 2002 when she was 17.
Southwark Crown Court heard that the email had “pernicious” implications of trying to extort money from Ecclestone, now 28, the daughter of Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone.
It was sent after she had starred in the reality TV show Billion Dollar Girl.
The message, also sent to Rose, mentioned the possibility of a confidentiality contract, while incorrectly alleging that TV shows, a radio programme and a tabloid newspaper had expressed an interest in Rose’s story.
Judge Andrew Goymer told Rose: “This was an audacious attempt to obtain a large sum of money.”
The judge said that the relationship between Rose and Ecclestone in 2002 had ended badly and he had sold his story to a tabloid at that time, which “speaks volumes about your true character”.
“She came to your attention again in November 2011 when she was the subject of a television series,” the judge said.
“The email that you sent on 16th November in which you threatened to reveal personal details was not the product of a broken heart. All that was long in the past… Blackmail is always an unpleasant and vicious offence.”
The jury failed to reach a verdict on Rose’s co-accused, Jakir Uddin, 20, of Old Walsall Road, Birmingham, and the prosecution may seek a retrial.
Ecclestone’s family lawyer Charlotte Harris, of Mishcon de Reya, said Ecclestone welcomed the sentence.
“Ms Ecclestone was content to waive her anonymity in giving evidence because she strongly believes that all people have a right to be protected from such cynical and vicious behaviour,” she added.
Tamara Ecclestone's ex jailed over blackmail
