F1 boss ‘blackmailed’ as two appear in court accused of demanding cash from ex-racing team exec
TWO people were in court yesterday accused of blackmailing a top exec at a Formula 1 racing team.
Ryan Hilton, 42, and Sarah Surita, 31, are charged with demanding cash from the former high-ranking worker.
The pair spoke in court only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.
The alleged blackmail relates to an “unwarranted demand of money” in November 2014, according to court documents.
Hilton, from Maidenhead, Berks, faces two counts of fraud by false representation.
He has also been charged with stalking without fear, alarm or distress relating to “repeated social media posts of a derogatory nature”, according to court documents.
Surita, 31, who uses the surname Westbury and lives in Slough, faces one charge of fraud by false representation.
The pair, understood to have been charged in January, entered no plea and were released on bail — but ordered not to contact their alleged victim.
East Berkshire magistrates’ court in Slough heard they deny making threats or that their actions amounted to blackmail.
They also claim the alleged victim’s complaint to the police was inaccurate, it was said.
They will next appear at Reading crown court on April 30.