Three jailed on blackmail charges

Three men from County Antrim who tried to blackmail an undercover police officer have been jailed for a total of nine years.

They thought they were dealing with the director of a construction company which was building a by-pass near Ballymena two years ago.

Belfast Crown Court heard the police became involved after a number of men demanded money at the site office.

Later 20-year-old Jonathon Alan Bonnes, from Ard-Na-Main in Cullybackey rang the office again demanding money but the phone was answered by an undercover officer.

A collection point was arranged where the policeman was met by Bonnes, although no money was handed over.

The officer also noticed they were being watched by Clifford White, 29, from Crosshill View in Ballymena.

The instigator of the Blackmail, 37-year-old William James Sloan from Colonsay Park in Ballymena, was jailed for four years on Thursday.

He admitted blackmail and professing to belong to the UVF.

White was given a three year term while Bonnes was jailed for two years.