Dragons’ Den winner jailed for 2 years for blackmail after giving former aide bad reference to block job offer

A DRAGONS’ Den winner has been jailed for two years for blackmail after giving a former aide a bad reference to block a job offer.

Equestrian designer Nicola Fletcher, 49, took revenge on Lorraine Davies for refusing to pay £6,000 for a favourable testimonial.

Fletcher, who scooped £100,000 backing on the BBC show in 2015, ran Equisafety, which creates hi-visibility wear.

But she fell out with employee Ms Davies in a row over a mouldy hotel room.

In an out-of-court settlement, Fletcher had to pay £3,000 in costs plus £3,000 to Ms Davies.

When Ms Davies was offered a job at an equine hospital, Fletcher demanded £6,000 for a good reference.

She wrote a bad one and the offer was pulled, Chester crown court heard.

Fletcher, from Barnston, Merseyside, admitted blackmail.

In sentencing Fletcher Judge Michael Leeming told her: “Lorrraine Davies provided a 22 page victim personal statement which she read with great dignity.

“She describes being pushed to the limit and being physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.

“She lost the opportunity of the career with Liverpool University, a job for the rest of her life, offering her and her family financial security beyond which she had previously known.

“Every aspect of her life has been affected, her health, her well-being, her confidence, her emotions, the emotions of her family.

“Professional and social lives have been impacted too."