A woman from Swindon has been given a suspended sentence after admitting blackmailing a man through social media.
Bethan Guy, 26, of King John Street, appeared at Swindon Crown Court.
Between 20 July 2022 and 3 August 2022, Guy made unwarranted demands for money from her victim for her own financial gain.
Guy was given a two year suspended sentence, ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 12 sessions of mental health treatment and to pay £450 in compensation to be paid to the victim.
In a statement read to the court, Guy's victim said: "I felt trapped and helpless. I didn't have enough money to pay my rent and bills, which was a huge strain for me.
"I felt I had no choice but to pay the money, as she had made the threats very clear and I was afraid of the devastating affect it would have on my life if I didn’t pay."
DC Emma Rossiter said: "Guy met her victim through SnapChat where she was selling adult photos of herself. She then began threatening to tell his partner if he did not hand over money.
"Sadly we are seeing increasing numbers of people being blackmailed through social media sites. If you’ve been a victim we’d like you to remember, whatever has happened is not your fault, even though you might have been told it is.
"We understand that it might be difficult to report this type of crime to us but we are here to listen and help where we can."
The police stress that if a person is a victim of blackmail or sextortion, it is not their fault.
Victims are advised:
- Don’t panic, help and support is available.
- Stop all communication with the offender immediately.
- Don’t pay, even if you are tempted, as there is no guarantee that this will stop the threats.
- Save the evidence - make a note of usernames, email addresses, phone numbers and bank account numbers.
- Collect URL links to where your images or information is being shared online.
We understand that it might be difficult to report this type of crime to us. We're here to listen and support you in any way we can.
Image abuse can be reported via https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and by calling 101 - or textphone service on 18001 101 for people with hearing or speech impairment.
People aged under 18 report sextortion or any other form of online child sexual abuse, to the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Safety Centre at https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre
More information is available at https://www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/sexual-offences/sextortion/
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