A grandson who subjected his own grandparents to a campaign of terror, stealing their pension money and leaving them destitute, has been jailed for two and a half years.
A Campaign of Coercion and Theft
Ashley Partington, a 33-year-old father from Plymouth, admitted two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour and driving while disqualified. The court heard how he exploited his grandparents, aged 85 and 78, for nearly three years after they took him into their home.
Judge Robert Linford, sentencing at Plymouth Crown Court, described Partington's actions as 'astonishingly appalling conduct'. He repaid his grandparents' kindness by frightening and attacking them, taking their money, and selling their possessions to fund his addictions.
Prosecutor Nick Lewin stated the elderly couple were left unable to afford food or heating for their home. Partington systematically took around £5,000 from their state and small private pensions, forcing them to visit food banks to survive.
Lies, Threats, and Mounting Debts
The ordeal lasted approximately 30 months, during which Partington refused to move out of their front room. His demands for money started small but grew increasingly unmanageable. He used deception, such as falsely claiming an £80 police fine, to swindle cash from them.
On one occasion, his grandparents went to a police station to give him money, only to later discover he had used it for a nightclub visit. He would also pocket cash meant for the electricity meter, leaving them without power.
Beyond stealing their pension income, Partington sold their personal items and kitchen equipment. He also used their Motability car while banned from driving and racked up speeding ticket debts in their name.
Impact and Aftermath
In a victim statement, the couple described how the strain tore them apart. The grandfather suffered two heart attacks in 2024 and 2025, surviving the second only because paramedics were nearby. He was unable to sleep due to the threats.
Since Partington was remanded in custody, the couple have been able to buy food, heat their home, and even purchase new furniture. In mitigation, his lawyer, Francesca Whebell, said he was in the grip of significant addictions but was now clean of drink in prison and wished to 'right the wrongs'.
Judge Linford imposed a five-year restraining order preventing Partington from contacting his grandparents and banned him from driving for four years.
