The second woman later claimed Patel offered to ‘s
The second woman later claimed Patel offered to ‘strike a deal’ over pnds stlg 1,400 she owed in overpaid benefits.
She said: ‘He explained I had been claimed benefits I shouldn’t have done, income support and family credit.
‘He said I would lose my job, be prosecuted and have a criminal record.
I broke down and cried.
‘He then said I would have to repay the money.
He said we can strike a deal.
‘Then he mentioned about money.
I said I didn’t have any money, I’m on my own and I have a child.
I explained I had a childminder costing 400 pounds and I didn’t have any money.
‘He said I was getting family credit and we can agree to an amount, about 400 pounds.
I said I didn’t have that kind of money but he said I could pay it in instalments.
‘
Patel told her they would have to meet at her home to exchange the cash and clear her debt.
‘I had to pay him the money or I was going to be landed with a very big debt,’ the raven-haired woman said.
‘I went back to work and cried.
‘I reported it because I probably thought the matter wouldn’t stop there.
‘
Ealier the court was told that the first complainant had been overpaid because her 16-year-old son who lived at home was in work.
She had given Patel her telephone number – but did so hoping this would assist an inquiry.
‘Patel did subsequently make phone calls indicating that he loved her,’ Mr Kimsey said.
And on another occasion he attended her premises and handed her a box of chocolates, something she found upsetting, the prosecutor went on.
She reported the matter to the police, but later decided not to press charges.
In interviews with police Patel denied any wrongdoing in relation to each of the three women.
‘He suggested it wasn’t him who acted inappropriately or suggested sex.
.
.
but the ladies in question.
‘He said they had come on to him,’ Mr Kimsey said.
In the case of the woman he is accused of blackmailing, Patel said again it was her idea to strike any deal.
The trial continues tomorrow.
ends
