A police investigation into a man who allegedly blackmailed TV presenter Alison Hammond has been suspended.
It was claimed the This Morning and Bake Off star was told to hand over thousands or her blackmailer, who could not be named at the time, would tell damaging lies to end her career.
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A police investigation into a man who allegedly blackmailed TV presenter Alison Hammond has been suspendedCredit: Getty
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The Sun can now reveal that the accused was Alison’s ex Ben HawkinsCredit: Ben Hawkins
But The Sun can now reveal that the accused was Alison’s ex Ben Hawkins, a former crack cocaine addict.
Alison, 49, told friends he threatened: “I will destroy you.”
Ben, who dated Alison for ten months from May 2022, has always denied the allegations.
Last night it emerged West Midlands Police had dropped the case due to a lack of evidence.
READ MORE ABOUT ALISON HAMMOND
I already had anxiety and depression, but the whole thing made it worse
Alison’s ex Ben
Jobless Ben, 38, said: “It was a nightmare. I was arrested and spent the night in custody, and I have been a suspect for 18 months.
“The police took my passport, they closed my bank account and took some of my property.
“I already had anxiety and depression but this whole thing made it worse.
“I experienced some very dark, suicidal thoughts, but I was able to get through it with the help of my parents.
“I’m just trying to get my life back on track.”
He added: “The whole process dragged on, I was on bail from the police for nine months and it took them 18 months to drop the case.”
Alison Hammond broke down in tears live on This Morning after making a rare comment about a toy boyfriend
West Midlands Police said yesterday: “We conducted a thorough investigation and submitted the files to the State Prosecutor’s Office for assessment.
The CPS concluded that there would be no further action.
“We have passed this information on to all parties involved.”
Ben, who met Alison when his father helped him clear the star’s garden, lives with his parents in Redditch, Worcs.
He and Alison split in February 2023.
She is now in a relationship with Russian model and masseur David Putman (27).
Despite the age difference, Alison is said to be “happier than ever” with David.
She told Good Housekeeping UK earlier this month: “I can see how, on paper, you would notice the age difference. But honestly, when we see the word ‘toyboy’ written about us, it has nothing to do with what we have.
“Yes, I am 22 years older than him, but if you saw us together, you would understand. People have said to me, ‘Now we get it.'”
And she added: “He’s so mature and sensible, and I’m not at all.”
“The things he tells me . . . they are just so wonderful. It’s like a puzzle; we fit together and everything comes together.”
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Alison told friends who were threatened by Ben: ‘I’m going to destroy you’ Credit: Simon Jones
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TV star with new zeal David PutmanCredit: Instagram
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