Blackmail plot accused was ‘helping to hide money from girlfriend’

A MAN alleged to have blackmailed three people out of thousands of pounds has explained to a jury why they transferred large sums of money to his account.

- CARL JACKSON

Twaha Kaana has been accused of pressuring a couple into paying him £7,000 between 2020 and 2021 after randomly turning up at their flat in Rednal and initially asking for £100 to cover drinks he had bought.

But giving evidence on Friday, November 7, the 26-year-old told Birmingham Crown Court he and his friends had been invited back to the couple’s home for an ‘afterparty’ when nearby pub The Coppice closed.

Kaana claimed he gave the man £30 for drinks because ‘it’s the least you can do!

He stated he stayed for around 90 minutes and then went back home.

Kaana told the court the man reimbursed him around a few days later.