Elisha Porter, 43, from Walney, was sentenced to three years in prison at Preston Crown Court. She was also given a ten-year restraining order after pleading guilty to blackmail and fraud by false representation. Porter targeted a man with a learning disability, manipulating him into handing over money over several weeks in early 2023.
The victim was contacted via a fake Facebook account created by Porter under the name “Kirsty Evans.” The man believed the account belonged to a customer from his workplace. Porter had previously met the victim on a dating site and had already tried to obtain money from him.
Initial Contact and Deception
Porter, using the fake account, asked the victim for £200 to pay bills. Since the victim did not use online banking, they arranged to meet at Tesco Extra in Barrow. Porter appeared disguised with a mask and hooded coat, collected the cash, and left abruptly with another woman claiming an emergency.
The following day, Porter requested more money, claiming eviction. The victim met her again at Tesco Express, where she took £250. She continued to ask for increasing amounts, exploiting the victim’s trust and daily withdrawal limits.
Escalation to Blackmail
In mid to late February 2023, Porter’s tactics became more threatening. She called the victim pretending to be a distressed woman whose ‘brother’ was attacking her. The male voice threatened to accuse the victim of inappropriate behaviour with a minor if he did not pay £250. Fearing for his reputation and job, the victim complied.
The demands increased to £500, paid in instalments due to withdrawal limits. Over time, the victim met Porter 18 times, handing over a total of £3,080 from his wages and bank account.
Discovery and Police Involvement
The victim’s mother alerted police after noticing his bank account was emptied. Although the victim blocked the fake account, Porter contacted him directly, continuing to demand money and threaten exposure. The victim muted the conversation and reported it to the police.
Evidence from Porter’s Facebook profile, including clothing seen in photos, linked her to the disguised meetings. The male voice was believed to be her partner.
Porter’s Admission and Background
During police interviews, Porter admitted creating the fake account to obtain money. She acknowledged knowing the victim for years and previously borrowing money without repayment. Porter said she spent the money on drugs and alcohol.
She is unemployed and receives benefits, with two overdrawn bank accounts. Porter had inherited £59,000 from her parents but spent it largely on substance abuse. She has 15 previous convictions, including drug trafficking and theft, and was on licence during the offences.
Conclusion
The court took into account the victim’s vulnerability, the repeated nature of the offences and Porter’s previous convictions.
The sentence reflects the seriousness of the case and the need to deter similar behaviour, particularly where financial exploitation and blackmail are involved.
