A grandson who subjected his elderly grandparents to a campaign of fear and financial abuse, stealing thousands from their pensions and leaving them reliant on food banks, has been jailed.
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. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Plymouth Crown Court this week.
The court heard how Partington moved into his grandparents' home, where the couple, aged 85 and 78, had taken him in out of kindness. Over nearly three years, he repaid them with what Judge Robert Linford described as 'astonishingly appalling conduct'.
Prosecutor Nick Lewin explained that Partington systematically took around £5,000 from their state and small private pensions. He sold their personal items and kitchen equipment to fund his addictions, leaving the couple unable to afford food or heating.
Lies, Threats, and Dire Consequences
The abuse began with requests for small sums but escalated into larger, unmanageable demands. Partington used deception, such as falsely claiming an £80 police fine would land him in jail unless paid. His grandparents handed over the cash at a police station, only to later discover he spent it at a nightclub.
He also lied about topping up their electricity meter, pocketing the money and leaving them without power in their city flat. The strain was immense. His grandfather, who suffered two heart attacks in 2024 and 2025, stated he was unable to sleep due to the threats. The couple's relationship was torn apart by the constant arguments over their dwindling finances.
Partington further abused their trust by using their Motability car while banned from driving and racking up speeding ticket debts in their name.
Justice Served and a Fragile Recovery
In sentencing, Judge Linford told Partington: 'You took every penny they had causing them to go to a foodbank to get something to eat. You caused them untold misery. You left them in dire financial circumstances.'
Since Partington, of Pier Street, Plymouth, was remanded, his grandparents have finally been able to buy food, heat their home, and replace furniture.
His defence lawyer, Francesca Whebell, said her client, now sober in custody, could see how he had scared his grandparents and wanted to 'right the wrongs'. The judge also imposed a four-year driving ban and a five-year restraining order preventing any contact with the victims.
