THE boss of a clamping firm that illegally clamped cars in Worcester and then blackmailed the drivers into handing over cash is facing jail.

Rebecca Meakin, aged 27, of Rowencroft Immobilisers, was found guilty at Stafford Crown Court this week of conspiracy to blackmail in Worcester and in three Staffordshire towns. She had denied the charge.

Meakin's clamping team targeted motorists parking on land at the former Courts furniture store (now Aldi) in Lowesmoor. In Spring 2006, south Worcestershire police received six complaints from drivers who faced parking penalties and vehicle retrieval costs approaching £300.

Inspector Andy Smith, head of policing in Worcester city, said the company employed workers who were not properly licensed under the Security Industry Association, and that they had towed vehicles to locations that were not secure and recognised.

"All clamping operatives should be registered with the Security Industry Association and, when issuing a fine' or retrieval charge they should always issue a receipt bearing SIA authorisation and the amount paid," he said.

Sgt John McCreedy, of Stafford police, said: "During 2006, Rowencroft Immobilisers used sharp practices to extort large sums of money from motorists who, in some cases, had parked on private land without the owner's permission.

"Company owner Rebecca Meakin, fronted the operation and took this opportunity to clamp and remove vehicles to undisclosed locations - making thousands of pounds and causing misery to her victims.

"Among these was a doctor delivering blood for an elderly patient and a grandmother who witnessed Rowencroft trying to tow her vehicle with her young grandson still inside.

"Victims were told their vehicles would be taken to secure compounds that did not exist."

Meakin, of Millers Vale, Heath Hayes, Cannock, was released on conditional bail and is due to be sentenced in the next month, with the trial judge warning she faces a prison sentence.