A PAIR of loan sharks who preyed on vulnerable people in need of cash have both been jailed for 10 months.

Exploiting the needy Ronald De La Cruz, who helped run a soup kitchen in Trowbridge, and James Palfrey gave high interest advances before using bully boy tactics when their victims fell behind with repayments.

Churchgoer De La Cruz, 38, of Newhurst Park, Hilperton, and Palfrey, 39, of Penhill Drive, Swindon, both admitted unlawful money lending and possessing criminal property.

One woman had her TV repossessed despite the fact she had repaid about £3,700, almost three times the original loan. It was thought their under-the-counter loan book could have been worth up to £80,000 as they fleeced 48 people who struggled to get credit elsewhere.

Simon Mortimer, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how the operation was smashed in June following complaints to the police.

Police raided the homes of both men and found notes they had made. They would lend money and demand repayment with interest of 20 per cent a month added on.

“A loan of £1,000 would attract £200 a month additional. In that way a lot of money could be made,” he said.

In 2010 he said another woman borrowed £600 for new carpets from colleague De La Cruz, then in January 2011 got £2,000 for a car.

She initially started repayments to Palfrey by direct debit but was told to pay cash, even when she was off work sick.

“She felt pressured to make payments. She reported it to the police,” he said.

Richard Williams, for De La Cruz, said his client was in about £70,000 of debt, much of it to his co-defendant.

The court heard from the Rev Fatimah Murray who said De La Cruz was a regular worshipper and ran a soup kitchen for the homeless in Trowbridge.

Friend Nicola Para said he had helped her with a loan and had been a taxi driver she had regularly used and trusted.

Mr Williams said his client and his wife had five children between them and as the main breadwinner they would suffer if he was jailed.

Jailing them, Judge Tim Mousley QC said: “You, De La Cruz, found people who needed to repay the loans but you couldn’t do it without Mr Palfrey as he was the source of the money.

"I am satisfied you, Mr Palfrey, were aware of the bullying activity needed to get the money back.”